Rulon Gardner was the 2000 Olympic Gold medallist in 130-kg (286 lb), defeated previously unbeaten Alexandre Kareline of Russia. He won five matches on the way to Olympic Gold and led U.S. Greco-Roman team to third place finish in medal count ? highest in U.S. history. Rulon was the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Champion, 2000 U.S. Nationals Champion, and 2000 Pan American Championship Champion. He won gold at the 200 Dave Schultz Memorial International and Granma Cup in which he compiled a 24-2 record in 2000. Rulon was selected by his peers at Olympics to carry American flag during Closing Ceremonies in Sydney.