Cejudo of U.S. Wins 55kg Gold

Besik Kudukhov of Russia and Bulgaria`s Radoslav Velikov, both former world title holders, won bronze medals.

Henry Cejudo, son of Mexican illegal immigrants, gave the United States its first wrestling gold medal of the Olympics on Tuesday with a victory over Japan's Tomohiro Matsunaga in the men's 55kg freestyle.

Besik Kudukhov of Russia and Bulgaria's Radoslav Velikov, both former world title holders, won bronze medals.

Cejudo, a 21-year-old from Colorado Springs competing in his first Olympics, had tears in his eyes as he wrapped himself in the Stars and Stripes, after a successful campaign he attributed to the "American way".

"My life has changed already. Watching the flag go up on that podium feels real good," said Cejudo, sporting a black eye.

"Coming out of a Mexican-American background, it feels so good because not many Americans get to do something like this. The United States is the land of opportunities and I am glad to represent it."

Matsunaga's coach had disputed a point in the first period but judges reviewed the video tape and ruled in favour of the American and let it stand.

Cejudo was born in Los Angeles to then illegal immigrants from Mexico City who met in the United States. His father died last year in Mexico City.

"My mum always taught us ... that whatever we wanted to do we could do," said Cejudo.

The reigning U.S. national champion in his weight class marked himself out at college by his iron dedication, hitting the weights or running a quick three or four miles between practice sessions.