Robby Smith named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week

Robby Smith after making the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team. Photo: Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com.

Robby Smith (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) has been selected as TheMat.com Athlete of the Week on August 9, 2016.


The exuberant Smith was instrumental in the promotion of wrestling last week as he prepares to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Aug. 15.


Three days prior to the Opening Ceremonies of the 2016 Olympic Games, Smith spoke to the El Paso Board of County Commissioners on behalf of Olympians in attendance as they passed a proclamation recognizing the U.S. Olympic family and Team USA, and wishing them great success. He introduced his Greco-Roman teammates and coaches, then gave his perspective on how the local community supports the Olympic athletes.


The next day, USA Wrestling held an open media day at Greco-Roman practice with a big turnout. All three of the major local television stations were there, along with one of the radio stations and the local newspaper, the Gazette. Smith was a major hit among the media members in attendance.


On Sunday, Smith and the Greco-Roman team were able to carry the Olympic torch at a local Colorado Springs Opening Ceremonies celebration. Smith passed the torch to two-time Olympic champion and four-time medalist Bruce Baumgartner who lit the cauldron in downtown Colorado Springs.


Smith finished in fifth place at the World Championships in 2013 and 2015. He is a three-time U.S. World Team member and will be competing in his first Olympic Games next week.


The Greco-Roman Olympic Team is currently in Colorado Springs in final preparations for the Olympic Games.


Each week USA Wrestling will select an Athlete of the Week based upon performance within wrestling for that week. The selection committee will consider any level of wrestling, from youth programs through the Senior level.


To nominate a wrestler for USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week please send the athlete’s name, wrestling program and weekly and career accomplishments to Richard Immel at rimmel@usawrestling.org.