Rulon Gardner
When Rulon Gardner took the Olympic gold medal for wrestling in Sydney, his victory rocked the world. It was more than just a simple tale of success – it was the story of an underdog who rose to unimagined heights of accomplishment and glory. An athlete with a history of notable but obscure success,Mr. Gardner became a household name – and the pride of a nation – when he snatched Olympic gold from the hands of Alexander Karelin, and athlete who had been undefeated since 1985.
A modern-day David to the Goliath of Russia's three-time Olympic gold medalist, Mr. Gardner found himself fighting a match of mythic proportions – the United States versus former archenemy Russia, and a first-time Olympian versus a veteran of innumerable victories. Now Mr. Gardner shares with his audiences the sense of determination, the self-confidence, and the fighting spirit that gave him the strength to stand up against seemingly unbeatable odds – and win. An inspiration for young and old, for achievers and dreamers, Rulon Gardner is America's newest hero.
In 2000, Mr. Gardner was named Sportsman of the Year by the United States Olympic Committee, and was also the recipient of the U.S. Olympic Spirit Award.
In April 2001, Mr. Gardner was honored with the James E. Sullivan Memorial Award, which is given to the nation's top amateur athlete for athletic excellence, leadership, sportsmanship, and character.
When Rulon Gardner took the Olympic gold medal for wrestling in Sydney, his victory rocked the world. It was more than just a simple tale of success – it was the story of an underdog who rose to unimagined heights of accomplishment and glory. An athlete with a history of notable but obscure success,Mr. Gardner became a household name – and the pride of a nation – when he snatched Olympic gold from the hands of Alexander Karelin, and athlete who had been undefeated since 1985.
A modern-day David to the Goliath of Russia's three-time Olympic gold medalist, Mr. Gardner found himself fighting a match of mythic proportions – the United States versus former archenemy Russia, and a first-time Olympian versus a veteran of innumerable victories. Now Mr. Gardner shares with his audiences the sense of determination, the self-confidence, and the fighting spirit that gave him the strength to stand up against seemingly unbeatable odds – and win. An inspiration for young and old, for achievers and dreamers, Rulon Gardner is America's newest hero.
In 2000, Mr. Gardner was named Sportsman of the Year by the United States Olympic Committee, and was also the recipient of the U.S. Olympic Spirit Award.
In April 2001, Mr. Gardner was honored with the James E. Sullivan Memorial Award, which is given to the nation's top amateur athlete for athletic excellence, leadership, sportsmanship, and character.
