Robert Pearce (wrestler)

Robert Pearce

Personal information
Nationality	American
Born	(1908-02-29)February 29, 1908 Wyaconda, Missouri, U.S.
Died	March 15, 1996(1996-03-15) (aged 88) Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada
Home town	Cushing, Oklahoma, U.S.
Sport
Country	United States
Sport	Wrestling
Event(s)	Freestyle and Folkstyle
Team	USA
Medal record Men's freestyle wrestling Representing the  United States Olympic Games 1932 Los Angeles 56 kg Collegiate Wrestling Representing Oklahoma A&M NCAA Wrestling Championships 1931 Providence 126 lb 1932 Bloomington 123 lb

Robert Pearce (February 29, 1908 – March 15, 1996) was an American wrestler and olympic champion. He competed at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where he won a gold medal in freestyle bantamweight.^[1]

Early years

Pearce initially took up wrestling during his youth to strengthen himself physically from a constant struggle with allergies. While in high school in Cushing, Oklahoma, Pearce had three undefeated seasons and won three Oklahoma state championships.

College

Pearce wrestled collegiately at Oklahoma A&M (now called Oklahoma State), helping extend head coach Edward C. Gallagher's winning streak to 70 consecutive matches. Overall, Pearce was 60-4-1, winning the NCAA title in 1931 and finishing as runner-up in 1932.

International

Following his runner-up finish as a senior in 1932, Pearce responded by winning the gold medal at the 1932 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, California. His gold medal in 1932 was the first ever for an Oklahoman wrestler.

In 1981, Pearce was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member.^[2]

References