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Iowa native and wrestling legend Dan Gable is going to be adding an award like nothing else to his trophy case, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Dan Gable will be getting the highest honor a civilian of the United States of America can receive, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. According to the Des Moines Register, Gable said he was notified by the White House through a written letter.


The Presidential Medal of Freedom recognizes individuals who have made great contributions to the country’s national interests or culture. Dan Gable's most notable accomplishments came through the sport of wrestling.
  • 3 state championships for Waterloo West
  • 2 NCAA titles for Iowa State
    • 181-1 overall record between high school and college
    • Lost only once and that was in the 1970 NCAA finals.
  • Olympic gold medalists at the 1972 Olympics at 150 pounds
    • Didn't allow a single point in the six matches
  • 21-straight Big Ten titles
  • 15 NCAA team championships between 1976 to 1997
  • Coached a total of:
    • 152 All-Americans
    • 45 national champions
    • 12 Olympians who combined to win eight Olympic medals
      • Four gold, one silver and three bronze

Gable has been inducted into USA Wrestling's Hall of Fame, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the United States Olympic Hall of Fame. He has spent the greater part of the last decade helping build wrestling's profile in the United States. He played an integral role in saving the sport after it was put on the Olympic chopping block in 2013. The award of the Presidential Medal of Freedom came by the request Congressional Wrestling Caucus on Gable’s behalf. Gabe would be the first wrestler to receive this honor in the sport's history. Senator Chuck Grassley took to Twitter on Wednesday to congratulate Gable on the announcement.

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