Rulon Gardner Olympic champion in Greco-Roman wrestling Country: USA

1. Biography of Rulon Gardner
2. Olympic Triumph and Defeating an Undefeated Opponent
3. A Religious Upbringing and Educational Pursuits
4. Life after the Olympics

Biography of Rulon Gardner

Rulon Gardner is an Olympic champion in Greco-Roman wrestling and the youngest of nine children. He was born and raised in Afton, Wyoming, a small town with a population of about 1,500. Growing up on a farm, Rulon spent his childhood milking cows and stacking hay, building up the strength that would later serve him well in his wrestling career.

Olympic Triumph and Defeating an Undefeated Opponent

In an incredible upset, Rulon Gardner (29) brought Olympic gold back to the United States when he defeated Alexander Karelin, a wrestler who had gone undefeated in Greco-Roman wrestling for 13 years. Americans celebrated the victory of the young man from Wyoming. Even after his triumph, Rulon couldn't shake the thought of farm animals: "Go to the farm and try to move a cow when it doesn't want to. It was the same here. Only Alexander was much more agile and constantly trying to throw me on the mat."

A Religious Upbringing and Educational Pursuits

Rulon's parents, Reed and Virginia, are devout Mormons. Rulon is the youngest of their nine children. Even in the fourth grade, he weighed 70 kilograms (now 130 kilograms). The boys teased him for being "chubby." "Mockery has always been a motivation for me," admitted the champion. The farm did not bring in significant income, but Rulon's parents made sure to provide education for all their children. In university, Rulon dedicated himself to wrestling, although he previously preferred American football.

Life after the Olympics

After his triumph in Sydney, Rulon Gardner plans to return to his family farm in Wyoming. His siblings have all moved away, leaving him to take care of the farm. Rulon's father now works as his assistant. "No one will dare tease him anymore," says Reed Gardner.