If you have not read about Anthony Robles, the one-legged wrestler from Mesa, Arizona who just won a national wrestling title, then I think you'll enjoy the story. I recently saw an interview with him and it was awesome.

pittsburghlive.com
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11-06-06, 12:22 AM
Xanadu
I don't watch American wrestling, so hadn't heard of Anthony Robles until I saw this post. He sounds to be a truly amazing man, thank you for the link to the story dogspit.

11-07-06, 06:55 AM
BobLaz
An amazing individual--thanks for sharing a "feel-good" story so badly needed in the sports world right now..

11-07-06, 10:00 AM
DorianGreyed
I noted that his upper body strength was mentioned. In high school wrestling, with its narrow weight classes, having an upper body that is significantly larger and stronger than your opponent is a huge advantage. (No, I am not saying that he is in any way better off without his leg.) It wouldn't surpise me if he, at 112 lbs, has the upper body musculature of a wrestler at 150 lbs or more. (There is a good reason why there are weight classes.)

It is also difficult to wrestle against guys with only one or no legs. The regular moves a wrestler uses are based on the opponent's balance, center of gravity, and leg placement. Wrestling blind guys is also a problem. You used to have to keep in contact with them at all times. Doing so can be difficult, and trying to do so changes your style.

Please don't take all this as saying this guy has it easy. Obviously, he doesn't. Wrestling is a gruelling sport, and his situation makes it much more so. (He really can't run to get in shape or lose weight.) I just wanted to point out that his opponents were also at a slight disadvantage in some ways.

11-10-06, 02:40 PM
dogspit
Actually Dorian, my thoughts were much the same. Against some of his opponents his upper body looks so very imposing. They say his greatest advantage is actually his hand strength and a grip that is virtually unbreakable, even by those larger than him. Nonetheless, he has an attitude about life and sports that was very impressive in a time when athletes tend to be anything but admirable.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,