Arizona State Senior Anthony Robles, Born With One Leg, Wins NCAA Wrestling Title

[Ptah]

Anthony Robles was born without a right leg and hip bone.

For the past 22 years, he's worked to overcome this, proving himself as a serious
wrestling contender. This season, the Arizona State University senior went a remarkable 36-0.

Robles capped his outstanding record with an NCAA wrestling title on Saturday,
defeating Division I reigning champion Matt McDonough in the 125-pound group.
He had the only takedown in his dominating 7-1 win, and received a standing
ovation from the packed house at Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center.

"I had a lot of butterflies going out there," said Robles. "This year I think that
was the biggest difference in my wrestling, was my mental game. Going into every match
I was real relaxed, real calm. But before that, before this match, it was nothing
but butterflies. I felt like I was going throw up, I was so scared I almost started crying.

http://www.nesn.com/2011/03/arizona-state-senior-anthony-robles-born-with-one-leg-wins-ncaa-wrestling-title.html
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ASU wrestlers won two National Wrestling Championships!

Congratulations Sun Devils!




Edit to add picture:

[Iggo]

1. I saw some of his matches on the television box.

That kid fought for it and deserves it.


(My original reply was, upon second reading, not as funny as I thought. Sorry about that.)

[joeybee12]

2. Congrats to him...they showed this on ESPN...

for once ESPN showed something NOT over-hyped.

[Auggie]

3. Amazing...

because as I recall (from my very brief experience in high school wresting) legs are really important tools. That this man went undeafeated is remarkable.

[bigwillq]

4. Just awesome.

Wow. :thumbsup:

[GKirk]

5. Incredibly hardworking person...

...I wonder if his opponents do anything special to prepare against him.

His being one legged is not going to be what ANYONE calls an advantage but
does it present any special challenge to his opponents. I noticed one of them,
instinctively I assume, go for the leg that wasn't there.

[dbackjon]

6. I noticed that on several occasions

Plus, from an upper body strength/weight perspective, it allows him to wrestle "down" a couple of weight classes, which can be a huge diffence.


Still, an incredible performance. congrats to him.