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Black History Month: Updated lists of great wrestling achievements

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by USA Wrestling

Kevin Jackson of the United States scores a takedown at the 1995 World Championships in Atlanta, Ga. Jackson was a 1992 Olympic champion and two-time World Champion for the USA, and went on to serve as National Freestyle Coach among other great contributions.


In 2008, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame created an exhibit that which commemorated 50 years of African American success on the mat, going back to 1957, when Simon Roberts of the University of Iowa became the first African American athlete to win an NCAA title.


As part of this year-long celebration of the history and legacy of great African American wrestlers, coaches and leaders from the United States, the Hall of Fame produced detailed historic data about their achievements.


In honor of Black History Month, USA Wrestling, working with the Hall of Fame, has updated a number of the key historical records of great achievements by African American wrestlers in the United States.


“USA Wrestling is incredibly proud of the history and achievements of African American athletes in wrestling. Much of our nation’s success on the international level is attainable because of the efforts, skill and leadership of these great wrestlers. This is a great time to celebrate the legacy which has already been established, and is being passed on to future generations,” said USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender.


In the spirit of celebration for this rich heritage, we provide updates for the following data concerning African American wrestlers:

Hall of Fame honorees

Olympians

NCAA Div. I champions

World and Olympic champions

Olympic medalists

World medalists

Combined list of Hall of Famers, Olympians and Div. I champions


Later this week, USA Wrestling will publish an expanded list of key “firsts” for African American athletes, and provide an expanded feature on these achievements.

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