Feb. 12 of this year was “worse than death,” according to Iowa wrestling coach Tom Brands. The International Olympic Committee, in a shocking move, removed the sport of wrestling from the 2020 Olympic Games.

Since that day, every major figure in the sport spearheaded an intense effort to save it a spot in the 2020 Olympics.

On Sept. 8, the IOC will make its final decision on which sport — among wrestling, squash, and a baseball/softball combination — will earn the final spot in the 2020 Olympic Games.

The final three sports were selected out of a possible eight on May 29 in St. Petersburg, Fla., where they advanced to the 125th session of the IOC in Buenos Aires on Sept. 8.

All three sports will present a case before the committee before the final vote is held.

The approximate time of the IOC announcement will be at 11 a.m.

— by Cody Goodwin