Rulon Gardner

Rulon Gardner was born on August 16, 1971, in Afton, Wyoming. As the youngest of nine children born to Reed and Virginia Gardner, he was raised on a dairy farm where they grew their own crops and milked cows twice a day, providing ample work. School was a challenge for Gardner, particularly with reading speed and comprehension. With the support of his family, he persevered, completed his schoolwork, and eventually earned a wrestling scholarship from Ricks College. He transferred to the University of Nebraska on a Division I scholarship, where he continued to excel in wrestling.

Gardner began wrestling at the age of six, participating in Star Valley's annual wrestling camp and tournament. He continued wrestling through junior high and college, culminating in a distinguished collegiate wrestling career at the University of Nebraska. He graduated with a degree in physical education, a qualification that underscored his commitment to sports and physical training. Post-graduation, Gardner dedicated himself to Olympic wrestling, a pursuit marked by significant sacrifice and dedication.

In a sensational upset at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Gardner won the gold medal by defeating Alexander Karelin, who had been undefeated since 1985. This victory, known as the "Miracle on the Mat," saw Gardner emerge from relative obscurity to international fame. His Olympic achievements continued with a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, after which he retired from wrestling, symbolically leaving his shoes on the mat. Gardner's wrestling accolades also include a World Wrestling Championship in 2001, multiple US Championships (1995, 1997, 2001), and titles from the Pan American Games (1998) and the World Cup (1996).

Gardner's life has been punctuated by resilience in the face of adversity, notably surviving a severe snowmobile accident in the Wyoming wilderness, which led to the amputation of a toe. He also endured a motorcycle accident among other injuries. These experiences have not only shaped his character but also his messages of persistence and determination, which he shares in his motivational speeches across various platforms including corporations, schools, and community groups.

Aside from wrestling and public speaking, Gardner has ventured into mixed martial arts and hosted the show "Real Pro Wrestling" in 2005. He authored an autobiography titled "Never Stop Pushing: My Life from a Wyoming Farm to the Olympic Medal Stand" which was released by Avalon Publishing on September 6, 2005. His book and speeches emphasize turning negative moments into character-building experiences, drawing from a life filled with both monumental achievements and significant challenges. Gardner's ongoing engagement with audiences through motivational speaking underscores his commitment to inspiring others to overcome adversity and strive for success.