WASHINGTON D.C. (December 7) -- Dan GABLE, an Olympic champion and United World Wrestling Hall of Famer, was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Monday. This award is America's highest civilian honor and presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

"Dan Gable means a lot to the wrestling community and we are happy to learn of his award," said United World Wrestling president Nenad LALOVIC. "Gable was not just a great champion and coach, he played a big role in our efforts to remain in the Olympic Games. He’s a true champion of our sport."

After winning a pair of national championships as a collegiate competitor, Gable went on to become a world and Olympic champion in freestyle wrestling. In 1971, Gable won gold at the World Championships Sofia, Bulgaria. The following year, Gable captured a gold medal at 68kg the 1972 Olympic Games in Munch, Germany. He did not surrender a single point on his run to Olympic gold.

Gable then went on to become the most successful college wrestling coaches in the United States. From 1976 to 1997, Gable guided Iowa to 15 NCAA national team titles and compiled an overall record of 355-21. 

He also coached at five Olympic Games, six United States world teams, and at 10 World Cups, as well as several other international events.

Gable played a key role in helping keep wrestling in the Olympic Games in 2013. He is just the third wrestler to have ever been inducted into United World Wrestling's Hall of Fame in the Legend category. In addition, Gable is also in the United States of America's National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the United States Olympic Hall of Fame.