Markwayne Mullin did whatever it took to wrestle through elementary and middle school, including switching schools four times after the school he was attending canceled its wrestling program.

One difficult day, his dream of wrestling at a major university came to an end because of a recurring shoulder injury.

Mullin wrestled briefly at Missouri Valley College before leaving to take over his family's plumbing business.

Lessons learned as a wrestler combined with a passion for the sport, which shapes an athlete's character and imparts traits like self-motivation and perseverance, have truly shaped the individual Mullin has become.

He has built successful businesses that employ over 150 Oklahomans.

Mullin was elected to serve the people of Oklahoma's Second Congressional District in November 2012 and is currently serving his second term in office.

Mullin takes every opportunity to speak to high school and college wrestling programs, sharing his story and encouraging young wrestlers to dream big and never give up. He reminds them the importance of following through with their commitments, both in athletics and in life.

Mullin's work in the U.S. House of Representatives has earned him numerous legislative awards, and he is one of only two Native Americans serving in the House of Representatives.

For setting an example of determination and tenacity, Markwayne Mullin is honored as the 2016 Outstanding American by the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.