Wrestler wins Sullivan Award
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Rulon Gardner, whose dramatic victory in Greco-Roman wrestling was a highlight of the Sydney Olympics, won the James E. Sullivan Award on April 16.
The award is presented by the Amateur Athletic Union to the nation's outstanding amateur athlete, according to the Associated Press.
Brother Gardner of the Colorado Springs 5th Ward, Colorado Springs Colorado Stake, won the Olympic gold medal by defeating Aleksandr Kareline in the final, the Russian's first loss in 13 years.
The wrestler was chosen by the U.S. team to carry the American flag at the closing ceremonies in Sydney.
Wrestling in the 286-pound class, Brother Gardner won five matches and led the U.S. Greco-Roman team to a third-place finish at the Olympics, its highest ever.
Brother Gardner also won the Greco-Roman heavyweight title April 14 in the U.S. National Wrestling Championships.
