In 2012, Kurt Angle is mostly known as a former WWE Superstar and current wrestler on Spike TV's "Impact Wrestling." 16 years ago Angle was winning a gold medal for freestyle wrestling at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. While he was in his prime in 1996, Angle's gold medal means nothing as he attempts to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games.
Angle's Olympic History
Kurt Angle's first Olympic run was a struggle for the wrestler. Months prior to Atlanta events, Angle injured his neck, forcing him to lose crucial training time and deal with the pain throughout the Olympics.
After the whirlwind events and celebration, Angle received calls from the pro-wrestling world. His future quickly transitioned from the world of mat wrestling to the world of pro-wrestling.
Angle in Sports-Entertainment
Kurt Angle has had huge success in the pro-wrestling world, but after years of touring and physical harm to his body, it adds a lot of pressure for him to compete. Angle started pro wrestling briefly in ECW, but he was quickly scooped up and signed by the WWE.
Within a couple of years, Kurt Angle was a huge star in the WWE, winning multiple titles and competing with Superstars like Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Along with the physical action of basic wrestling, Angle was exposed to steel cages, chairs, ladders and more during his time there.
Angle left the WWE to join "Impact Wrestling." He quickly became the marquee name on the roster. As recently as this January, Angle has competed in matches, while still training for his spot on the Olympic freestyle wrestling team.
At age 43 and years of pro-wrestling behind him, the underdog factor just comes from his stamina alone. He will be competing with young wrestlers who potentially have the speed, strength and stamina to defeat Angle.
Olympic Team Trials
From April 20 through April 22, fans will get to witness Angle compete at the Olympic Team Trials in Iowa City, Iowa. This means more than the actual Olympics, because if Kurt Angle succeeds here, it will be a huge step for the wrestler.
The worst thing that could happen is a big hit on his Olympic reputation. It almost feels like a real life Rocky Balboa as Angle attempts to reclaim his glory days. If he does make the team and win a medal, he would be a oldest freestyle wrestler to ever do so. It would be instantly become an American story about defying the odds, a new type of underdog and how important the Olympics really are.
Follow Kurt Angle's journey at his official website, KurtAngle2012.com.
Alan Donahue is a lifelong pro-wrestling fan. He has followed Kurt Angle's career since his Olympic Gold Medal victory and through the WWE and TNA. He has written hundreds of sports articles.
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