Wayne Wells

Wayne Turner Wells (born September 29, 1946) is an American wrestler and Olympic champion in freestyle wrestling at the 1972 Olympic Games. Wells was born in Abilene, Texas and grew up in Oklahoma.[2] In 1982, Wells was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member.

For the American musician born Wayne Wells, see Wayne Static.

Wayne Wells
Personal information
Birth nameWayne Turner Wells
BornSeptember 29, 1946 (1946-09-29) (age 77)
Abilene, Texas, U.S.[1]
Home townOklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
Medal record
Men's freestyle wrestling
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 1972 Munich 74 kg
World Championships
Silver medal – second place1969 Mar del Plata74 kg
Gold medal – first place1970 Edmonton74 kg
Pan American Games
Silver medal – second place1971 Cali74 kg
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the Oklahoma Sooners
NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Silver medal – second place1967 Kent152 lb
Gold medal – first place1968 State College152 lb

Wrestling career

While wrestling at the University of Oklahoma, Wayne was a three-time Big Eight champion and a three-time All-American. He was an NCAA runner-up as a junior, he won the NCAA national championship the following year as a senior.

Wells placed fourth at the 1968 Olympic Games. While turning his attention to law school and the foundation of his professional career, Wayne intensified his wrestling efforts. He captured the silver medal at the 1969 World Championships, then returned a year later to win gold at the 1970 World Championships. He won two national freestyle titles and placed second in the Pan American Games. In the months leading up to the 1972 Olympics, he completed his final year of law school, passed the state bar exam, assisted the OU coaching staff, and trained five hours a day. At the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, he earned a gold medal in freestyle wrestling in the welterweight class.[3] Wells is also noted for being the first ever Nike signature athlete.[4]

In 1982, Wells was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member.[5]

References
  1. Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Wayne Wells". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on April 17, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  2. Baughman, R. Wayne. (June 22, 2020). Why I love sports: Wayne Wells is a true Oklahoma sports hero. The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 31, 2022.
  3. "1972 Summer Olympics – München, Germany – Wrestling" Archived September 19, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. databaseOlympics.com. Retrieved September 13, 2008.
  4. Palmer, Mark. (February 4, 2020). Wayne Wells: Olympic gold medalist, first Nike signature athlete. InterMat Wrestling. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
  5. "National Wrestling Hall of Fame".


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