When Rulon Gardner won an Olympic gold in 2000, most felt that the U.S. was in pretty good shape for a few years in Greco-Roman at heavyweight. But when Gardner was stranded in the wilderness in 2002, a lot of U.S. fans gave up hope.

Enter Dremiel Byers of the U.S. Army, who then came on to dominate his competition at the World Championships and win a gold medal in 2002. Even though Byers did not make the 2003 U.S. World Team or 2004 Olympic Team, his presence was certainly felt as he acted as Gardner's workout partner.

TheMat.com spoke with Byers about the upcoming World Team Trials, and how the new rules can help him.

TheMat.com: Was it nice to finally face someone different in the finals of a U.S. event this year, defeating Russ Davie?

Byers: Yes, but it doesn't really matter who is in the finals. The ultimate goal is just getting to the finals and winning it.

TheMat.com: You met Russ recently in an overseas tournament and he won the match. How was he able to beat you?

Byers: Russ Davie is a good competitor. He has improved so much since coming out to Colorado Springs. He wrestled a good match against me and deserved the win.

TheMat.com: The new rules just put in now allow for par terre. How does that change your gameplan for the Trials?

Byers: I like to score from par terre, so this adds a dimension back to the match, but no matter what, I have to go out and wrestle a good technical match. If I do that, I feel like I can win at any time.

TheMat.com: How much have you improved since winning your World title?

Byers: I feel like I've gotten stronger in certain areas of my wrestling. The rule changes kind of changed things up at the end of last year, but I do think I'm continuing to improve.

TheMat.com: Have you done anything differently to prepare for the Trials this year as opposed to last year?

Byers: Not really. I just want to make sure that I'm in as good of shape as possible. There are more young wrestlers this year who have gotten better, so I need to be able to keep up with them in stamina.