Anthony Robles: NCAA Wrestling Title Goes to ASU Wrestler Born with One Leg

Anthony Robles Captures NCAA Title in 125-Pound Division

It's not every day that college wrestling becomes headline news. But in the case of Arizona State's Anthony Robles, the occasion is certainly warranted.

Robles won the NCAA wrestling title in the 125-pound division on Saturday night, beating defending champion Matt McDonough of Iowa in the final, 7-1.

What's so remarkable about that, you ask?

Well, aside from the fact that Robles was born without a right leg, nothing really.

Indeed, it is a truly remarkable story. Just don't make the mistake of thinking that this is some kind of fluke. Robles is a three-time Pac-10 champion, and he finished in the top 10 in the NCAA championships each of the last two years before finally capturing the title this year.

"I had a lot of butterflies going out there," Robles said afterward. "I've dreamt about stepping on that stage a dozen times, and this whole year I've just been preparing for that moment. And I was scared. I was scared out there, but as soon as I hit that first takedown I sort of relaxed. I said, 'OK, back to business. Same drill as usual, like every other match.'"

What gives Robles an advantage is his significant upper body strength. He has also said that years of holding onto crutches have provided him with formidable grip strength. He cannot stand up to wrestle, so he forces his opponents to stay low to the ground. If he gains any kind of advantage, he basically can't be beaten.

When you consider the fact that we're currently in the midst of March Madness, that Robles' accomplishments have taken center stage should give you an idea just how inspiring his story is. However, according to the LA Times, Robles doesn't exactly crave attention.

"I didn't get into the sport for the attention," he said. "I wrestle because I love wrestling."

That being said, Robles did also admit that serving as a source of inspiration for others does get to him.

"It inspires me when I get kids, even adults, who write me on Facebook or send me letters in the mail just saying that I've inspired them," he said, "and they look up to me, and they're motivated to do things that other people wouldn't have thought possible."

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