By Roger Holsinger
Scottsbluff Star-Herald
SCOTTSBLUFF (AP) — Rulon Gardner overcame adversity many times over to become an Olympic champion, and now he’s spreading the word that if he can do it, anybody can.
That’s the message Gardner delivered this weekend during a visit to Western Nebraska Community College, where he shared his credo: ”Never Give Up, Never Stop Trying.”
Gardner, who grew up in Afton, Wyo., spoke of his childhood when he was diagnosed with a reading disability. School officials wanted to have him repeat kindergarten, but his parents wanted him to continue with his classmates.
He said he was reading below the senior level when he graduated from Star Valley High School. When his parents talked to the school counselor about his attending college, the counselor told them that Rulon wasn’t smart enough.
Gardner said his family was supportive and never paid attention to those who doubted his ability. He earned a wrestling scholarship to Ricks College and was later recruited to attend the University of Nebraska.
Though Ricks was a junior college, he had to start all over at Nebraska. The majority of his credits wouldn’t transfer.
After six and-a-half years, Gardner graduated with a degree in physical education. Then he dedicated himself to realizing his Olympic dream.
Gardner saw that dream come true in 2000 as he beat previously undefeated Russian wrestler Alexander Karelin.
The following year Gardner won at the World Championships.
Misfortune struck after that. He spent 18 hours stranded in the Wyoming wilderness during a snowmobile trip. When rescuers found him, his body temperature was 80 degrees and he was told he was lucky to be alive.
He was also told he’s never wrestle again.
After a number of skin grafts and having one toe amputated, Gardner began to work toward qualifying for the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
”In 2002, I should have died, but being able to go through the different surgeries, the recovery process, and to come back and wrestle (at) the caliber that I did, I was truly blessed,” Gardner said.
Gardner had another obstacle before wrestling in Athens. He was injured in a head-on motorcycle accident months before the competition, and he severely dislocated his wrist while playing basketball.
Again, he was told he’s never wrestle again — and again he didn’t believe the naysayers.
In 2004, he came home with a bronze medal. After all he had gone through, he said, that bronze was as good as gold to him.
While he’s officially retired, Gardner said he stays busy with speaking engagements and traveling. He said his next goal is to get into teaching and coaching.
”Potentially, I’d like to get into politics and pursue that avenue to serve this great country,” he said.
Proceeds from his WNCC appearance are earmarked for the Nebraska Children’s Home Society.
The nonprofit organization provides services through a statewide adoption program and foster care for medically fragile children.
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