Anthony Robles

Anthon Robles vs Matt NcDonough (http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/)

Born with one leg, abandoned by his birth mother, and faced with certain failure, Anthony Robles went against the odds and became a National College Athletics Association (NCAA) wrestling champion. Anthony Robles is a hero because he believes in himself and never gives up. He helps others with their problems even though he has several problems of his own, and he worked hard to achieve his goals.

Anthony Robles was born on July 20, 1988 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born without his right leg. He wore a prosthetic leg until he was three then refused to let it keep him from achieving his dream. He began wrestling in the eighth grade. He wrestled throughout high school and was accepted to Arizona State University. He was a three time NCAA all American. NCAA wrestling champion. Three time Pac-ten conference champion. Four time NCAA qualifier. He proved to himself and others that he could and will win. He was given several awards for his achievements.

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Anthony believed in himself. He has the will and desire to win. He refused to use his prosthetic leg. He felt as if it was a burden, as if it was holding him back. He still uses crutches today. When he began wrestling he definitely had several challenges. He did not let this discourage him. He continued on and practiced every day. I think that he has the heart of a champion. He loves to wrestle and didn't let anyone tell him what he could or couldn't do. When he came to Arizona State University he wasn't scared at all. He wrestled through his four years earning several awards and setting several records. In 2011 he made history. Anthony won the NCAA championship wrestling match at the 125 pound weight class. This was a big moment in his wrestling career. Becoming the first person with one leg to win a championship match in the NCAA. I think Anthony Robles is person that everyone can follow and relate to. He's just a normal person, accept for the fact he has one leg and has an extraordinary talent.

Robles, helps others, such as youth and disabled athletes. He has his own foundation called the Anthony Robles foundation. His slogan is "be unstoppable" which says a lot about his personality. He tells people that we wrestle with difficulties daily. They come in physical, mental and emotional challenges. How we deal with them is our decision. But when we deal with them "be unstoppable". I think Anthony knows where the youth are coming from. He didn't have an easy time when he started off either. He chose to continue and not let anything get in the way of his goals. He encourages kids to follow their dreams and not let anything or anyone tell them that they can't do it. If he didn't have the mentality that he does he would not be where he is today.  His success is a result of long hard work. He is a great person to look up to and follow his examples.

He worked very hard to accomplish his goals. His senior year at ASU, his record was 36-0. His overall record at ASU was 122-23. He was unbeatable in his junior and senior years in college. This just shows what hard work and dedication can do. Stick to what you love to do. Robles along with another ASU athlete named Bubba Jenkins were champions at the NCAA finals. It makes me think, if I just push myself just a little bit more and apply myself to doing what I like to do there is nothing stopping me from being the best that I can be. If Anthony Robles can become a NCAA champion with only one leg, there is no reason that I can't do just as well. I think he is a great athlete and an even greater person.

Anthony Robles can be called a hero because of his actions. His willingness to push on. His determination and drive to be the best that he can be. He is an outstanding person that looked in the face of certain failure and said yes I can. He chose to follow his heart and his mind and did not give up. He is truly a unique hero.

Works Cited

"Arizona State University Wrestler Anthony Robles Speaks To Phoenix Youth." Gale Biography in Context.web. 29 Apr. 2011. Web. 8 May 2012.

"Anthony Robles, Wrestler Born with One Leg, Wins NCAA Title." Gale Biography in Context.web. 19 Mar. 2011. Web. 9 May 2012.

"ASU WRESTLERS ROBLES, JENKINS CAPTURE NCAA TITLE." Gale Biography in Context.web. 13 Mar. 2011. Web. 9 May 2012.

"With One Leg, Arizona State Wrestler Has a Shot at Being King of a Hill." Gale Biography in Context.web. 13 Mar. 2011. Web. 9 May 2012.