Long before he led the United States, Abraham Lincoln was a legendary wrestler. Out of about 300 matches, he lost only once! He was so good that he is now honored in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
We remember Abraham Lincoln for his top hat and for ending slavery, but in his youth, he was feared for his "chokeholds" and immense strength. Standing at 6'4" (193cm) with incredibly long arms, he was a nightmare for any opponent.
Lincoln competed in a style called "catch-as-catch-can," which was rough and required great endurance.
Lincoln wasn't just strong; he had a big personality. After defeating a famous bully in his town, he reportedly turned to the crowd and shouted: "I'm the big buck of this lick. If any of you want to try it, come on and whet your horns!"
In 1992, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame inducted him into their "Outstanding American" wing. They recognized that the leadership, physical toughness, and fair play he learned in the ring helped shape the man who would later save the Union.
Abraham Lincoln proves that a great leader can be both a scholar and a warrior. His wrestling years taught him how to stand his ground - a skill he would later use to navigate the most difficult years of American history.
