Dan Gable
Dan Gable is an American former folkstyle and freestyle wrestler and coach. He is considered to be one of the greatest amateur wrestlers of all time. He was born on October 25, 1948, in Waterloo, Iowa. Gable was a dominant amateur wrestler, winning two NCAA titles for Iowa State University and a gold medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich without surrendering a single point.
Gable began wrestling at age five, when his father, an amateur wrestler himself, began teaching him the sport. He quickly developed a passion for the sport and found success throughout his youth, winning two state high school championships and two NCAA titles while at Iowa State. His Olympic gold medal was the pinnacle of his amateur career, as he easily won all of his matches, not surrendering a single point in any of his five matches.
After his Olympic gold medal, Gable went on to an incredibly successful coaching career, most notably at the University of Iowa. He coached the Hawkeyes to an incredible fifteen NCAA team titles and thirty-one individual titles. He was also the head coach of the US Olympic freestyle wrestling team in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, where the US won six medals, including two gold.
Gable is one of the most decorated wrestlers in history, having won numerous awards and accolades. He is the only wrestler to be inducted into both the United States Olympic Hall of Fame (in 1980) and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (in 1992). He is also a member of the prestigious Order of Merit, an award given to those who have made outstanding contributions to sports in the United States.
Throughout his career, Gable has been known as an innovator and leader in the sport of wrestling. He is credited with inventing the “Gable Grip,” a pinning combination that has become a staple in wrestling matches. He is also credited with pioneering the concept of “intensity training,” a method of training that emphasizes hard work and dedication to achieve success.
Gable’s legacy as a wrestler and coach has been so profound that he is often referred to as the “greatest of all time.” He is a true icon in the sport, and his contributions have been a major influence on the development of amateur wrestling in the United States. He is and will always be an inspiration to all wrestlers.
Gable has also been a major advocate for the sport of wrestling, speaking out in support of its benefits and importance in society. He has written several books on the sport, including his autobiography, A Wrestling Life, which details his journey as a wrestler and coach. He also serves as a spokesperson for USA Wrestling, where he promotes the growth and development of wrestling at the grassroots level.
Gable’s influence on the sport of wrestling is undeniable, and he has left a lasting impression on all those who have had the privilege of working with him. His passion, dedication, and commitment to the sport have been an inspiration to many, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.
