How Anthony Robles Defied the Odds to Become the First One-Legged NCAA Wrestling Champion

Anthony Robles’ remarkable life story is one of resilience, determination, and defying the odds. Born with only one leg due to a congenital amputation, Robles’ journey from a struggling high school wrestler to a national champion and motivational speaker has inspired millions. His incredible story is now the subject of the 2025 biopic Unstoppable, showcasing his path to becoming a champion against all odds.

Early Life: Overcoming Challenges

Born on July 15, 1988, in La Mirada, California, Anthony Robles faced significant challenges from the moment he entered the world. His right leg was missing up to the hip, and doctors were unable to explain his condition. Raised by his teenage mother, Judy Robles, who faced her own personal struggles, Anthony was taught the belief that “God made me this way for a reason,” a mantra that would shape his outlook on life. Despite a difficult childhood marked by abuse and hardship, Robles demonstrated early signs of resilience, setting a school record for the most push-ups in sixth grade.

Discovering Wrestling: Turning Struggles into Strength

At age 14, Robles discovered wrestling after watching his cousin practice, and the one-on-one nature of the sport resonated with him. However, his early wrestling career was far from easy. As a freshman at Mesa High School, he struggled with a 5–8 record and was underweight for his weight class, which made him an unlikely candidate for success. Despite these setbacks, Robles’ drive to succeed never wavered. Under the guidance of Coach Bobby Williams, Robles developed a unique wrestling style that helped him turn his fortunes around. By his junior and senior years, he achieved a staggering 96–0 record, winning two Arizona State Championships and a national title, finishing high school with an impressive 129–15 record.

A Historic College Career

Despite his high school achievements, Robles faced skepticism from college programs, as few believed that someone with his physical limitations could succeed at the highest level. Nonetheless, Robles walked onto the Arizona State University (ASU) wrestling team, earning a spot after redshirting his freshman year. Competing in the 125-pound weight class, Robles’ collegiate career was filled with triumphs, culminating in a 122–23 record, three Pac-10 Championships, and three All-American honors.

In 2011, Robles made history by winning the NCAA Division I Wrestling National Championship with a perfect 36–0 season. In the final, he defeated Matt McDonough 7–1, earning the Most Outstanding Wrestler award. This victory not only made him the first one-legged wrestler to win a national championship, but it also served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others. Robles received letters from young fans, including third graders from Arizona, all of whom found motivation in his story of perseverance.

Achievements and Honors

Robles’ list of accolades is nothing short of extraordinary. Among his many accomplishments are:

• NCAA Division I Championship (2011, 125 lb)

• Pac-10 Championships: Gold in 2009, 2010, and 2011; Silver in 2008

• Most Courageous Athlete Award (2011) from the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association

• National Wrestling Hall of Fame Induction

• World Record for Most Pull-Ups in One Minute (62 pull-ups at a New York Jets game in 2018)

• Nike Signing: Robles remains the only one-legged wrestler to win an NCAA championship and the first athlete to be signed by Nike after retiring from the sport.

Robles’ accomplishments extend beyond wrestling. His legacy includes inspiring others through his book, Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion, published in 2012. He also served on President Barack Obama’s Fitness Council in 2014, where his voice contributed to national discussions on fitness and health.

Post-Wrestling Life: Inspiring the Next Generation

After retiring from competitive wrestling, Robles chose not to pursue a professional career or the Olympics. Instead, he turned his attention to inspiring others. As a motivational speaker, Robles has shared his powerful message with audiences worldwide, often quoting, “My spirit is unconquerable… I don’t care what’s probable. Through blood, sweat, and tears, I am unstoppable.”

Robles also became a commentator for the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in 2012 and has been a coach at Mesa High School since 2022. Through his coaching, he aims to be a positive role model for young athletes, demonstrating that with determination and a relentless work ethic, anything is possible.

Legacy and Impact

Anthony Robles’ story is more than just one of athletic achievement—it’s a tale of perseverance in the face of adversity. From a child born with one leg to a national wrestling champion, Robles has shown that physical limitations do not define one’s potential. His journey serves as an inspiration to people from all walks of life, proving that with the right mindset and a refusal to give up, anyone can become unstoppable. Through his continued work as a speaker, author, and coach, Robles is ensuring that his message of hope and resilience will continue to inspire generations to come.