By Eric Petersen, staff writer
Olympic wrestling champion Rulon Gardner is hopeful Ames’ own gold medalist Cael Sanderson will continue his career at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and maybe beyond.
Sanderson has not competed since winning gold last summer in Athens, Greece, and is undecided on the future of his wrestling career.
“Can he be a two- or three- or four-time gold medalist? Yeah, “Gardner said. “Does he want to? As an American I wish he would (wrestle). I wish he would bring wrestling to the forefront and show what it has to offer for the youth of America.
“Some people truly hunger for competition … I’ve gotten to the point now where I just want to be a part of the scene. Cael may be in a transition point.”
Gardner competed in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. He retired after winning the Bronze medal in Greco-Roman style.
Sanderson’s run to an undefeated 159-0 record and four NCAA titles at Iowa State was under intense watch by the wrestling community and national media. Sanderson has admitted the pressure got to him.
Gardner thinks Sanderson will miss the competition and return to international competition hungrier than before to win.
“I’d say it’s 50-50, “Gardner said.
Wrestling Gear
