Robert Pearce
Personal information
NationalityAmerican
Born(1908-02-29)February 29, 1908
Wyaconda, Missouri, U.S.
DiedMarch 15, 1996(1996-03-15) (aged 88)
Home townCushing, Oklahoma, U.S.
Sport
CountryUnited States
SportWrestling
Event(s)Freestyle and Folkstyle
TeamUSA
Medal record
Men's freestyle wrestling
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 1932 Los Angeles Bantamweight
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing Oklahoma A&M
NCAA Wrestling Championships
Gold medal – first place1931 Providence126 lb
Silver medal – second place1932 Bloomington123 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

  1. ↑ "1932 Summer Olympics – Los Angeles, United States – Wrestling". databaseOlympics.com. Archived from the original on 12 June 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2008.
  2. ↑ Robert Pearce - National Wrestling Hall of Fame. nwhof.org. Retrieved July 31, 2022.


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