The Gold Medalists Gallery at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame proudly honors every American wrestler who has captured Olympic gold since 1904. This unique exhibit showcases hand-drawn portraits of each champion, celebrating more than a century of excellence on the world’s biggest stage.

Each portrait is created by Michael Dustin, a renowned wildlife artist from Eagle, Idaho. The illustrations are based on photographs selected by the gold medalists themselves, offering a personalized and authentic tribute to their historic achievements.

The gallery begins with George Mehnert, who earned gold medals at the 1904 St. Louis and 1908 London Olympics, and features a total of 50 portraits. Wrestlers who have won multiple Olympic gold medals are represented by a single portrait with all of their winning years listed on the nameplate. The other two-time Olympic gold medalists from the United States are Bruce Baumgartner and John Smith.

The gallery became more inclusive in 2016, when Helen Maroulis became the first female wrestler featured after her gold medal victory at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. She was joined in 2020 by Tamyra Mensah-Stock, and in 2024, by Amit Elor and Sarah Hildebrandt.

Distinguished Members of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame featured in the Gold Medalists Gallery are Kurt Angle, Ed Banach, Lou Banach, Bruce Baumgartner, Jeff Blatnick, Doug Blubaugh, Glen Brand, Tom Brands, Henry Cejudo, Kendall Cross, George Dole, Steve Fraser, Dan Gable, Rulon Gardner, Kevin Jackson, Frank Lewis, Randy Lewis, Terry McCann, George Mehnert, Peter Mehringer, Kenny Monday, Allie Morrison, Robert Pearce, Ben Peterson, John Peterson, Robin Reed, Cael Sanderson, Dave Schultz, Mark Schultz, Brandon Slay, John Smith, William Smith, Jack VanBebber, Jake Varner, Russell Vis, Bobby Weaver, Wayne Wells, Shelby Wilson and Henry Wittenberg.