Presidential Medal of Freedom Is Lifetime Achievement For Gable
By Cody Goodwin
Des Moines Register
Dan Gable stood inside the Oval Office on December 7. To his left, President Donald J. Trump rattled off Gable’s many wrestling accomplishments: state champ, national champ, Olympic champ, successful coach, relentless ambassador, on and on.
Trump then turned to Gable, a Distinguished Member inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1980 and the namesake of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum, with a wry smile.
“Now, I’m larger than you, a little bit,” Trump said. “Do you think I could take you in wrestling?”
Gable didn’t even smile at the idea.
“You would have no chance,” he responded, sparking laughter.
President Trump awarded Gable the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Monday, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The modern iteration of the distinction was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 to recognize extraordinary individuals who have made exceptional contributions to America's national interests, society and culture.
“I wouldn’t be here if I had just won an Olympic gold medal,” Gable said. “It has been a lifetime of work, learning from others, then taking that knowledge and applying it to others in many ways so that they can perform at their highest and be successful.”
Gable is the first wrestler — athlete or coach — to receive this honor. It is meant as an individual award, but for the 72-year-old, it represents so much more.
Des Moines Register
Dan Gable stood inside the Oval Office on December 7. To his left, President Donald J. Trump rattled off Gable’s many wrestling accomplishments: state champ, national champ, Olympic champ, successful coach, relentless ambassador, on and on.
Trump then turned to Gable, a Distinguished Member inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1980 and the namesake of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum, with a wry smile.
“Now, I’m larger than you, a little bit,” Trump said. “Do you think I could take you in wrestling?”
Gable didn’t even smile at the idea.
“You would have no chance,” he responded, sparking laughter.
President Trump awarded Gable the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Monday, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The modern iteration of the distinction was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 to recognize extraordinary individuals who have made exceptional contributions to America's national interests, society and culture.
“I wouldn’t be here if I had just won an Olympic gold medal,” Gable said. “It has been a lifetime of work, learning from others, then taking that knowledge and applying it to others in many ways so that they can perform at their highest and be successful.”
Gable is the first wrestler — athlete or coach — to receive this honor. It is meant as an individual award, but for the 72-year-old, it represents so much more.
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