Takedown Report

10 Iconic Moments In U.S. Olympic Wrestling History

These American Olympic wrestling moments have stood the test of time. Will we get another at the 2024 Paris Games?
Iconic wrestling moments are just that — a moment. 
This list does not represent lasting impact or domination, although several fit those criteria. Rather, these singularly unique U.S. Olympic wrestling memories stand the test of time. 
Here’s a look at 10 memorable moments as we prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

10. Bill Smith’s Surprise Olympic Gold Medal

Smith famously took the bronze medal spot during the awards ceremony at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics when tournament officials had to point him to the top of the podium. The former Northern Iowa star lost to Sweden during the round-robin format but the Iranian beat Sweden and Smith beat the Iranian. Because the matches happened so quickly, Smith didn’t look at his bad marks — the system used to determine the winner. The Council Bluffs, Iowa, native thought he won bronze when he didn’t pin the Iranian. To his surprise, Smith won the 73-kg men’s freestyle Olympic gold medal. 

9. Jack VanBebber Runs To His Olympic Final

VanBebber had to run four miles and hitchhike to his gold medal match at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. The former Oklahoma State star learned that the schedule was changed and his finals bout was in an hour.  No transportation was provided, so he started on foot before snagging a ride. He defeated Finland’s Eino Leino — a four-time Olympic medalist (one gold, one silver, and two bronze) — for the title. 

8. Doug Blubaugh Pins Iran’s Emaili Habibi

Blubaugh’s pin over Iran’s returning Olympic champion Emam-Ali Habibii in the fifth round of their 73 kg match at the 1960 Rome Olympics continues to be a memorable moment in American wrestling history. The Iranian tossed his American foe several times before Blubaugh countered an attack and pancaked Habibi to his back for the fall. Blubaugh eventually won gold. … rest at … Flowrestling.org/10-iconic-moments-in-us-olympic-wrestling-history

June 23, 2024 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized