Daniel Cormier wants to be a star. Not just as a U.S. wrestler, but as an international wrestler.
In order for that to happen, Cormier must break through and win a medal at the World Championships or Olympic Games. So far, he has been close. But breaking into the top three in one of the toughest weight classes in the world has proven difficult so far for Cormier.
“There are some really good guys in my weight class, “Cormier said. “But I think I’ve proven I can wrestle with them. I just haven’t ended some of those matches the smartest, and that’s where I got burned.”
In fact, the last wrestler not from Russia or not named Eldar Kurtanidze to win this weight class or its equivalent (before the weights were shifted in 2001) was American Kurt Angle, who took gold in the 1996 Olympic Games.
Cormier will hope to change that.
A new attitude on training, and a new focus has Cormier dreaming bigger than ever before. Since 2003, he has dominated the U.S. circuit, as evidenced by his three straight U.S. Nationals titles and his Real Pro Wrestling Season 1 title for the Oklahoma Slam.
But after a disappointing second-round exit at the 2005 World Championships, Cormier had to make some decisions.
“Kevin Jackson sat us all down after the World Championships last year. I think most of us were pretty upset at how we wrestled, “he stated. “K.J. challenged us. I’m not going to say I haven’t trained hard the past three years, because I have. But I think right now there’s more that I can do. That’s what’s happening.”
Daniel CormierCormier will plan to make more trips to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he will be under the watchful eyes of Jackson and Terry Brands. It will also give him the opportunity to train with his former training partner in Stillwater, Mo Lawal.
“It’s good for me (to train in Colorado Springs), “Cormier said. “I get good training here at Oklahoma State with the best coaching staff in the country, but they have to focus on a college wrestling season through March. They have to get these kids ready. I have to get myself ready.”
His training also has not come without distractions. Cormier’s life is one riddled by tragedy.
His father died while Cormier was just a child, his best friend was killed in a plane crash while he was in college and his daughter, Kaedyn Imri, was killed in an automobile accident shortly before the 2003 U.S. World Team Trials. Then, this year, many of Cormier’s friends were ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.
While Cormier hails from Lafayette, La., a city not affected by the hurricane, his sponsoring club, the Gator Wrestling Club, is based just outside of New Orleans. But looking back on all of the events in Cormier’s life, it is clear that he may not be where he is today without having to go through those battles.
“In life, you have to find a ray of sunshine in every cloud. I’ve had a lot of clouds roll through my life, but it’s time to start seeing some more sunshine, “Cormier said.
He’s hoping that sunshine comes this summer, during Real Pro Wrestling’s Season 2, and then at the 2006 World Championships.
For younger wrestlers —
No matter what you’re doing, make sure you have fun with it. If it’s wrestling, football, whatever. Take the time to enjoy all the opportunities given to you.
Your favorite all-time wrestler —
John Smith.
How high should you set goals —
As high as possible. There’s no shame in not reaching a goal. There’s only shame in not giving 100 percent to attempt to reach it.
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