The wrestler who overcame his disadvantage

Anthony Robles is an unlikely wrestling champion, said Liza Hamm in People. The Arizona State University senior won the NCAA wrestling championship for his weight class this season after going 36-0. And Robles did it with only one leg. Born without his right leg, Robles first started wrestling as a 90-pound high school freshman and against great odds. Despite his disability, he was very athletic and very determined, and believed that wrestling suited what he could do. “It was the one sport I could find a style that worked for me.”

Still, he lost practically every match his first two years, while he developed strength and skill. He starts matches on one knee, using his extraordinary balance and upper-body strength to keep from being taken down by opponents. As he got stronger and better, he eventually rose to the state championship, and now to a national collegiate title. “I put a lot of pressure on myself to win this,” says Robles. “I’m so relieved and proud.”

Though there’s been talk of trying out for the Olympic team, Robles says he’s proved his point and is moving on from wrestling. “I’ve had a great run,” he says. “I got so much self-confidence from the sport.’’

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