By Eric Francis
Grappling prowess has taken Henson to unusual destinations
Sammie Henson may have earned a lot of titles through the sport of wrestling, but world traveler was not among those he expected.
Now the elder statesman on the U.S. National Team, Henson, 34, has toured the globe for the better part of two decades. He’s earned an Olympic silver medal, a world championship title, more national and international titles than he can count.
He’s also gotten a look at corners of the world he never dreamed of seeing as a youngster growing up in Missouri.
“I never really thought about it, “said Henson, who made his seventh visit to Sedro-Woolley this week as part of a three-day wrestling champ. “I just wanted to be an Olympic champ. I didn’t think about the experience I would have. I got to see the world. It’s been a nice ride.”
Through the sport, Henson was one of the few Americans allowed to travel to Cuba this year, where he competed (and was named outstanding wrestler) at the Cerro Palado World Championships. In the process, he spent time in a country closed to American tourists for decades now.
“It’s great. When Castro is out of power, America will be there in a second, “Henson said. “It’s just a good experience. The people there are very nice. Afterwards I got a chance to go out on the town in Havana, see the night life and everything. They love America.”
He’s also made several trips to the Middle East, most recently heading back to Iran, the site of his 1998 world championship, last year.
“They were supportive (of America), especially the young people, “Henson said. “I don’t know anymore, but …”
The list goes on ” Turkey, Belarus, Russia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, France, Germany, Italy, Australia. He and the other members of the U.S. team consider themselves ambassadors.
“Any place you’ve name, I’ve been there, “Henson said. “When you go oversees, you see how (well) we get treated. When you’re doing things in a positive manner, it’s a snowball effect on both sides. Every time I go there I try to be on a positive note.”
With his wrestling, Henson has covered the U.S. from corner to corner several times. On this trip alone, he’s hit Texas and Pennsylvania already, and will be in Iowa and California within the next month.
After the 2000 Olympics, a burned-out Henson took several years off, only returning to competitive wrestling at the end of 2003, just in time to take second at the 2004 Olympic Trials in the 55 kg. division (121 pounds).
Since then, the titles, and the trips, keep coming.
“I’m having fun now, “Henson said. “At my age, I’m the old man now. I like it. I relish in it. It takes the pressure off me.”
Eric Francis can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 416-2131.
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