Following moderate Iranian president Mohammad Khatamis call last year for increased contact between the nations, journalists were eager to cast the wrestlers visit as a sweatier equivalent of the ping-pong diplomacy between the U.S. and China in the early '70s. The team certainly appears to have been well prepared for its diplomatic mission: Said one member, Melvin Douglas of Arizona, I know not to walk on carpets with your shoes, I know not to look at the women. Basically, I won't do nothing wrong.
'Sweat Offensive' in Tehran
-
Share
-
Read Later
-
Although its regularly burned at demonstrations, Old Glory hasnt flown unmolested in Tehran since the hostage drama in 1979. Before today, that is, when a U.S. amateur wrestling team arrived in Iran for an international tournament.