Anthony Robles
If there was ever a reason to believe in the power of courage, look no further than Anthony Robles. Not only will Robles be recognized as a great wrestler, but he will be remembered as one of the most inspirational athletes in all of sport.
Robles, who was born without his right leg, never allowed his perceived disability get in the way of future wrestling success. Content to walk with crutches or to hop on one leg, Robles ripped off his prosthetic leg at the age of three. He continued to prove that life is about what you can do, not what you can’t.
At the age of 14, while living in Mesa, Ariz., Robles found wrestling. Although Robles called himself the worst wrestler on the team, it was the start of a career that captured the nation’s imagination. Through the support of his family and coaches, Robles turned himself into a champion wrestler.
By the time he graduated high school, Robles had won two Arizona state championships—combining for a 96-0 record during his junior and senior seasons at Mesa High School. He finished his high school career with a 129-15 record.
Few colleges gave him a chance to excel at the next level. Robles, however, proved them wrong. Enrolling at Arizona State in 2006, Robles would string together a memorable wrestling career during his four years of competition. As a freshman 125 pounder in 2008, he just missed becoming an All-American, finishing just short of the medal stand.
For the next three seasons Robles would be a force in the 125 pound class. He placed fourth as a sophomore and seventh as a junior before capping his career with a title and the Outstanding Wrestler Award at the 2011 NCAA tournament as a senior. Robles went 36-0 during his final year, compiling a career collegiate record of 122-23.
Robles was also recognized nationally for his feats of courage, including the prestigious “Jimmy V” Award for Perseverance, and the Best Male Athlete with a Disability at the 2011 ESPYs.
Awards:
Year
2017
|
Award
Medal of Courage
|
Chapter/Region
Arizona
|
Year
2012
|
Award
Medal of Courage
|
Chapter/Region
National
|
Year
2006
|
Award
Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award
|
Chapter/Region
Arizona
|
All American Awards:
Season
2011
|
School
Arizona State
|
Tournament
Division I
|
Weight
125
|
Place
1
|
Season
2010
|
School
Arizona State
|
Tournament
Division I
|
Weight
125
|
Place
7
|
Season
2009
|
School
Arizona State
|
Tournament
Division I
|
Weight
125
|
Place
4
|
College Season Records:
Season
2011
|
School
Arizona State
|
Class
Senior
|
Bouts
36
|
Wins
36
|
Losses
0
|
Ties
0
|
Falls
2
|
Win PCT.
100
|
Place
1st
|
Season
2010
|
School
Arizona State
|
Class
Junior
|
Bouts
36
|
Wins
32
|
Losses
4
|
Ties
0
|
Falls
9
|
Win PCT.
88.89
|
Place
7th
|
Season
2009
|
School
Arizona State
|
Class
Sophomore
|
Bouts
37
|
Wins
29
|
Losses
8
|
Ties
0
|
Falls
9
|
Win PCT.
78.38
|
Place
4th
|
Season
2008
|
School
Arizona State
|
Class
Freshman
|
Bouts
36
|
Wins
25
|
Losses
11
|
Ties
0
|
Falls
4
|
Win PCT.
69.44
|
Place
DNP
|
Season
Career
|
Bouts
145
|
Wins
122
|
Losses
23
|
Ties
0
|
Falls
24
|
Win PCT.
84.14
|
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