Jim Martinez was a two-time World and Olympic medalist. He placed third at the 1984 Olympics and third at the 1985 World Championships, both at 149.5 pounds. Martinez also made Greco-Roman World teams in 1983, 1986, and 1987. He wrestled collegiately for the University of Minnesota, where he was a two-time All-American (1979 and 1982) and a Big Ten champion (1979).