Wrestling Icon Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
Iowa wrestling icon, Dan Gable, is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump
President Donald J. Trump met with wrestling legend, Dan Gable, today in the White House to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This prestigious award is the highest honor that a civilian can receive and is presented to individuals that have made meritorious contributions to world peace, security, or national interests as well as those who have made significant public or private endeavors.
Coach Dan Gable was born in the heart of wrestling country, Waterloo, Iowa in 1948. He attended Iowa State University and was a very impressive member of the wrestling team winning two national championships and one runner up finish. He ended his collegiate career with an unreal, 117-1 record. Gables freestyle career was just as impressive as his college one. From 1971 to 1973, Gable competed on the international level and did not lose a match winning two gold medals going 6-0 in the 1971 Tblisi Tournament and 6-0 in the 1972 Olympic Games. In 1991 he was awarded the Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award by the Cauliflower Alley Club.
When Gable transitioned to coaching he didn’t skip a beat. From 1976-1997 he coached the division one Iowa Hawkeyes. He ended his career with a record of 355-21-5, 21 Big Ten Conference championships, and 15 National Titles. Along with those accolades, Gable coached 152 all-Americans, 45 national champs, 106 Big Ten champions, and 12 Olympians, including eight medalists.
Coach Gable is a household name to any high school, college, or Olympic wrestler and his career and influence helped build the sport of wrestling to become as relevant as it is. Wrestling thanks Coach Gable for all that he has done.
President Trump was a part of his high school wrestling team in 1962. While his wrestling influence probably did not come from Dan Gable, as a wrestler I believe Trump has a boatload of respect for Gable. Wrestling is essentially a brotherhood. Within your team the camaraderie is the strongest but, every wrestler across the globe shares a special bond.
During todays ceremony between President Trump and Dan Gable, President Trump said “Dan is a true GOAT.” Trump then said to Gable “I’m larger than you—think I could take you?” Gable gave a quick response of “You’d have no chance.”
Dan Gable is one of the most deserving people to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Coach Gable has done so much for the sport of wrestling over his career and keeps working to grow the sport. Every wrestler in America is smiling today.