Rulon Gardner

Olympic Channel Releases Trailer for "Rulon Gardner Won't Die"

By United World Wrestling Press

The Olympic Channel has released the trailer for its upcoming documentary on 2000 Olympic gold medalist wrestlers Rulon GARDNER (USA). The film, "Rulon Gardner Won't Die" is set to be released on Wednesday, June 3rd.

From the Olympic Channel press release about the release of the trailer:

MADRID – 13 May 2020  At the Olympic Games Sydney 2000, Greco-Roman wrestler Rulon Gardner beat the world’s most dominant wrestler and three-time reigning Olympic champion, Aleksandr Karelin of Russia, propelling him to stardom. But what came after the ‘miracle on the mat’ was even more unpredictable. Gardner’s incredible story is featured in the upcoming Olympic Channel feature-length documentary, Rulon Gardner Won’t Die, which premieres worldwide on Wednesday, 3 June at olympicchannel.com and on its apps for mobile and connected TV devices.

Rulon Gardner Won’t Die, part of the Five Rings Films collection, tells the inspiring story of Rulon Gardner, the youngest of nine children from a Wyoming farming family, who twenty years ago shocked the world at the Olympic Games in Sydney and became an American icon overnight. Instant fame was then followed by tragedy and adversity including near-death experiences, crushing weight gain and bankruptcy. Now, he’s returned to wrestling as a high school coach and is trying to make sense of his legacy – both as an American icon and a cautionary tale for what can come after a miracle.

“This film is an honest look at not only the success I have achieved, but at the hardships that preceded and have followed my Olympic experience,” said Gardner. “I hope that people watching at home will find their own sources of motivation and determination - especially during tough and unpredictable times like we are going through now - and remember that when you get knocked down, you can always get up and persevere.”

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Jordan to host 2023 U20 World Championships

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (July 21) -- United World Wrestling has decided to reallocate the 2023 U20 World Championships to Amman, Jordan. The event was originally scheduled to be held in Warsaw, Poland from August 14 to 20.

Adhering to UWW's regulations, which require the organizer to ensure equal participation for all athletes, free from any discrimination based on passport or other criteria, and considering the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee, UWW was compelled to find an alternative host after Poland failed to ensure the same.

UWW held an Executive Committee meeting on Friday and Amman, Jordan was approved as the new host. The Wrestling Federation of Jordan has confirmed that it will grant visas to all countries, ensuring a smooth participation process for athletes.

While the U20 World Championships will change locations, the Executive Committee approved the Polish Wrestling Federation's request to keep the World Grappling Championships in Warsaw as initially planned.

On Thursday, a new bid to host the U20 World Championships was floated by UWW, seeking a new host and it received numerous candidacies to replace Warsaw, Poland. After carefully evaluating the received candidacies, the Executive Committee approved Amman as the new host.

UWW acknowledges the inconvenience these changes may cause the National Federations. However, by retaining the exact dates of August 14-20 for the Championships, UWW hopes that the original flight tickets can be updated without any losses. UWW is prepared to extend support on a case-by-case basis for those National Federations that have already purchased tickets and added them to Athena.

All registrations already made in Athena will remain valid for the U20 World Championships in Jordan. NFs can make all necessary adjustments to their respective squads before Friday, July 28, 2023.

UWW wants to emphasize that all the decisions made were centered around the well-being of the athletes and their opportunity to participate in wrestling events worldwide. It also appreciates the understanding and cooperation during this transition.

NFs are requested to contact UWW for further questions or assistance.