Chris Taylor (wrestler)

Olympic medal record
Men's Freestyle Wrestling

File:Christaylor.jpg

Taylor (USA) is suplayed by Wilfried Dietrich (West Germany) during their match at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Chris Taylor (June 13, 1950 – June 30, 1979) was an American freestyle wrestler who competed at 1972 Munich Olympics. At 412 pounds (187 kg) he was the heaviest Olympian ever.^[1] (This was well before weight limits were imposed on the highest level of amateur wrestling.)

Amateur wrestling

The 6 ft 5 in (196 cm) Taylor, wrestled for Dowagiac High School in Dowagiac, Michigan, Muskegon Community College in Muskegon, Michigan, and Iowa State University (winning the NCAA heavyweight championship in 1972 by defeating Greg Wojciechowski), and won the bronze medal at the 1972 Olympics, losing to Alexander Medved. During the games, he was suplayed by Wilfried Dietrich from West Germany during their match, which has been incorrectly said to have broken Dietrich's neck.^[2] He reportedly reached over 500 pounds in weight.^[1]

Professional wrestling

Taylor once wrestled professionally in the American Wrestling Association where he faced Ric Flair. At the time, nothing was thought of Flair, and Taylor was thought to be the future star.^{[citation needed]}

Personal life

Taylor died at home in Story City, Iowa at the age of 29, two years after health problems caused him to retire from professional wrestling.^[3]

References

^ ^a ^b Oliver, Greg. "Chris Taylor: The giant Olympian". Slam!/Canoe. Retrieved 2008-09-07. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
^ Win Magazine
^ Wulf, Steve (July 9, 1979). "A Roundup Of The Week June 25-July 1". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2008-09-07. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)

External links

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[Slam-1] Oliver, Greg. "Chris Taylor: The giant Olympian". Slam!/Canoe. Retrieved 2008-09-07. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)

[2] Win Magazine

[SI-3] Wulf, Steve (July 9, 1979). "A Roundup Of The Week June 25-July 1". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2008-09-07. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)

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