The Gay Games gained true international stature in 1990 in Vancouver, the first time they were held outside the United States under the newly re-formed Federation of Gay Games.

Women's wrestling debuted in Gay Games IV, a decade before the 2004 Summer Olympics.

After New York was selected as the host city, a strong contingent of local women successfully pushed for inclusion of women's wrestling. Gay Games IV became the first time women's wrestling was offered, 10 years before the Summer Olympic Games followed suit with the 2004 Games. It proved to be the most celebrated event of the Gay Games.

"An athlete all my life, I have to say that wrestling in Gay Games IV was one of the all-time highlights," said 1994 medalist Cathy Seabaugh. "Competing against women from Holland, feeling the energy and excitement of a packed house at the venue, ultimately reaching the finals in my weight class, it was a day I'll always cherish."

Another major breakthrough was the full cooperation of a major university and its wrestling staff to put on the event. New York University's execution of the Gay Games IV wrestling became the standard for future Gay Games. Buoyed by the women's registrations, the total number of wrestlers hit 160: a number never matched since.

"Growing up in southeast Missouri watching our high school wrestlers win their way toward a state championship, I always admired the sport," Seabaugh said. "I imagined myself out on the mat, grappling with women my age and size to test myself. I wondered how aware I was of my balance, my ability to strategize how to pin an opponent who might have longer arms and legs. I wished I would have a chance to wrestle in a recognized competitive setting.

"I got to college and finally had a chance to compete in a contact sport — rugby. It was an amazing training ground for my wrestling competition in 1994 at the Gay Games in New York. When I arrived in New York, I never had wrestled a woman in an official match. It was an exhilarating experience in so many ways."