US wrestler Cael Sanderson defeated South Korea's Moon Eui Jae 3-1 in the men's freestyle wrestling 84kg category final to claim gold at the Athens Olympics on Saturday.

After tying 0-0 in the first session, Moon opened his point tally less than one minute into the second three-minute session.

But Sanderson came back strongly and scored three consecutive points to win.

"I can't believe it. It's a fantastic feeling, although I had prepared for something good," said an elated Sanderson after the bout.

"In the first minutes of the final I was stacked. Finally I made it because I used my techniques. I dedicate this medal to my wife for the support I received from her."

Moon, the silver medalist at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, had to settle for the second place again.

Russia's Sazhid Sazhidov defeated Yoel Romero of Cuba 5-3 to grab the bronze medal.