The 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia were the backdrop for my favorite Summer Game event—Greco-Roman Wrestling.
The commentators were discussing how brash the United States' two-time champion was with his braggadocio. They claimed that he could challenge Russia's Alexander Karelin, the three-time gold medal champ and holder of nine world titles and no losses in world competitions.
"If Gardner could beat Karelin, it would be the biggest, most unexpected upset since the 1980 U.S. hockey team beat the Russians for the 'Miracle on Ice.' You would have to call it 'the Miracle on the Mat,'" joked the commentators.
Rulon did not appear to be the stuff from which heroes are made—he was large and barrel-chested, doughy-looking, and noticeably shorter than the finely chiseled Russian competitor, who had a haughty look and the mien of a general.
I cried as I watched Rulon Gardner, a dairy farm boy from Afton, Wyoming, defeat the legendary "General" Alexander Karelin. Karelin had gone undefeated for so long in Greco-Roman wrestling and had hopes of furthering an unprecedented record of three-time gold medals to a fourth one.
Both men had biographical features that I was able to catch before the match, so I was fully aware of the monumental task Rulon would be facing.
He looked so courageous and out-matched as the two men jockeyed for position on the mat. Although I did not know all the subtleties of the sport, I was absolutely transfixed until the end, and it took me a very long time to quit crying happy tears.
Four years later, I was still impressed when Rulon won the bronze medal and again did a celebratory cartwheel after his win despite losing a toe to frostbite.
Rulon has won my admiration for remaining a farm boy while being a mentor to underprivileged youth and an excellent speaker.
He has survived many trials and tribulations—frostbite and an amputated toe, a motorcycle accident, and a light aircraft crash into Lake Powell.
Rulon's one MMA outing in Pride against another Olympic champion Hidehiko Yoshida (judo) resulted in his win by a unanimous decision.
How could anyone forget a gold medalist with a resume such as Rulon Gardner's, and a heart as big as his 56" chest?
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