2026 NWHOF Distinguished Member: Ben Askren

Ben Askren is one of the most accomplished wrestlers in University of Missouri history, known for his dominance, creativity, and lasting impact on the sport.

A two-time NCAA Division I national champion and four-time NCAA finalist, Askren became the first wrestler in Missouri history to earn four All-America honors and the first to compete in the Olympics. After runner-up finishes as a freshman and sophomore, he won 87 consecutive matches while capturing national titles in 2006 and 2007.

Askren finished his collegiate career with a remarkable 153-7 record, including 93 falls. He also set an NCAA record by pinning 18 consecutive opponents in the first period. In both 2006 and 2007, he received the Dan Hodge Trophy as the nation’s top collegiate wrestler and the Wade Schalles Award as the country’s top pinner. He also earned Outstanding Wrestler honors at the 2006 NCAA Championships, won three Big 12 titles, and received four Big 12 All-Academic selections.

Before college, Askren was a two-time Wisconsin state champion and three-time All-American at Arrowhead High School in Hartland, Wisconsin.

Internationally, Askren represented the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and competed among the nation’s top freestyle wrestlers.

In 2011, Askren joined his brother, Max Askren, and coach John Mesenbrink to found Askren Wrestling Academy, which has produced 162 Wisconsin state champions and NCAA Division I champions Parker Keckeisen, Mitchell Mesenbrink, and Keegan O’Toole.

In 2025, Askren faced one of the toughest challenges of his life after developing necrotizing pneumonia, which required a double lung transplant. Following surgery in June, he was released from the hospital in July and continues recovering with the same determination that defined his wrestling career.

For his historic achievements, contributions to wrestling, and perseverance through adversity, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame proudly welcomes Ben Askren as a Distinguished Member.