In his densely populated trophy case, Dan Gable will be adding a considerable prize. Gable will be awarded the Presidential Medal of freedom, President Donald J. Trump told Des Moines Registry on Wednesday. For a civilian, it is the country’s highest honour and privilege.
“To get an award like this, it’s a lifetime achievement award, not only for what you did, but for what you continue to do,” Gable told the Register Wednesday morning. “People are texting me and calling me, and they’re just like off the wall.”
Gable responded by telling that the White House that he had notified him by a letter addressed. A copy of the notice dated Oct. 13 was received from the Register which said Gable is “the first athlete and coach from the sport of wrestling to receive this distinguished honour.”
“”It will be my great privilege to welcome you and your guests to the White House to present you the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” the letter, signed by President Trump, says. “I look forward to seeing you soon.”
Gable, 71, responded by saying that during his visit, he was in contact with the Trump officials on Tuesday and Wednesday. Jennifer Jacobs, a high ranking Bloomberg News reporter from the White House, said President Trump plans to announce gable is receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Wednesday during a rally in Des Moines.
In 1963 President John F. Kennedy set up the modern Presidential Medal of freedom to acknowledge incredible people who have contributed exceptionally to America’s national, social and cultural values and goals. Gable’s greatest notable success came through the sport of wrestling.
He won three Waterloo West State Championships and two NCAA Iowa State Titles. Gable had 181–1, losing only in the 1970 NCAA Finals, among both preparation and collegiate careers. He won gold during the 1972 Olympics, won six matches at 68kg and did not permit a single point along the way. He won gold in 1972.
From 1976-1997 Gable helped lead the Iowa Wrestling Program to a stellar competition in 21 Big Ten titles and 15 NCAA team championships. He trained 152 Americans, 46 national champions and 12 Olympians for the eight Olympic medals – four gold , silver, and three bronze.
The US Wrestling Hall of Fame, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the US Olympic Hall of Fame were induced by Gable. He has been helping to develop the profile of Wrestler in the United States for much of the last decade. He played an integral role in saving the sport after they put it on the Olympic chopping block in 2013.
Congratulations are in order for Iowa wrestling LEGEND Dan Gable who is being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by @realDonaldTrump This is the highest civilian honor u can receive BIG NEWS & Gr8 honor for Coach Gable & our state
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) October 14, 2020
The Congressional Wrestling Caucus, a group of members of Congress who were wrestlers and/or have a strong interest and involvement in the sport — which includes Ohio Republican Jim Jordan and Iowa Democrat Dave Loebsack — have, alongside many others, effort’d for Gable to receive the award for much of the last year.
The wrestling caucus penned a letter to President Trump in August requesting that Gable be honored with the award, writing, “Your selection of Coach Gable would cement his stature and cap his career in a way no one else in the sport has previously achieved.””
The letter continued: “Our entire wrestling community, young and old, athlete and fans would embrace his recognition across our great nation.”
Many athletes and sports figures have previously been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, including Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth, Pat Summitt, John Wooden and several others. Gable will be the 17th honoree of the Trump presidency.
Credit: desmoinesregister