Anthony Robles: An Inspirational Wrestling Champion

Anthony Robles's story is a testament to the power of courage and determination. He is not only remembered as a great wrestler but also as one of the most inspirational athletes in the world. Born without his right leg, Robles never allowed his perceived disability to hinder his future wrestling success.

Early Life and Introduction to Wrestling

Content to walk with crutches or hop on one leg, Robles discarded his prosthetic leg at the age of three, proving that life is about what you can do, not what you can't. At 14, while living in Mesa, Arizona, Robles discovered wrestling. He called himself the worst wrestler on the team, but it was the start of a career that would capture the nation’s imagination. With the support of his family and coaches, Robles transformed himself into a champion wrestler.

High School Success

By the time he graduated high school, Robles had won two Arizona state championships, achieving a 96-0 record during his junior and senior seasons at Mesa High School. He finished his high school career with an impressive 129-15 record.

Collegiate Career at Arizona State

Despite few colleges giving him a chance, Robles enrolled at Arizona State in 2006 and embarked on a memorable wrestling career. As a freshman 125 pounder in 2008, he narrowly missed becoming an All-American, finishing just short of the medal stand.

Dominance in the 125 Pound Class

For the next three seasons, Robles was a dominant force in the 125-pound class. He placed fourth as a sophomore and seventh as a junior. He capped his career with a title and the Outstanding Wrestler Award at the 2011 NCAA tournament as a senior.

The 2011 NCAA Tournament

Robles's journey to the 2011 NCAA title was filled with challenges and triumphs. He recalled feeling like an outsider and searching for his purpose before finding his place in wrestling.

Overcoming Fear and Doubt

The morning of the NCAA finals, Robles weighed in, overcome with fear and unable to eat. He thought, "I've trained my whole career for this opportunity tonight." Despite the fear, he found strength in his family.

The Final Match

Running out onto the red carpet, Robles saw the cameras flashing and heard the roar of the crowd. He looked up to see his mom and siblings in the Arizona State section, a special moment for him because of the hard times they had gone through as a family.

The final match felt like the longest of his career, yet he found time to enjoy it. With 10 seconds left, he heard the referee counting down and the crowd getting louder. Seeing the crowd stand up and give him a standing ovation is something he thinks about daily.

Life After Wrestling

Every year, Robles feels amped for the finals as a commentator. He gets emotional when they sing the national anthem, reliving his dream. He loves the sport, which has changed his life, giving him his career, confidence, teammates, and coaches.

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