Disabled Wrestler Inspiration to Kids, Adults

When Anthony Robles was born without his right leg, the doctors struggled to explain his birth defect. But Robles was determined to not let his disability stop him and began wrestling in high school.

He didn’t win a single match his first year on the team. But at the end of the season, he scribbled a little note to himself telling himself that his goal was to become the state champ.

Today he is a three-time all-American wrestler and 2011 NCAA National Wrestling Champion. He’s also written a sports memoir titled “Unstoppable,” an inspirational tale of persevering in the face of great adversity.

“We all have our challenges and we can come out the other side,” Robles said in a recent interview. “Don’t let the challenge become the excuse because there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.” 

On Tuesday, Robles will be at Petaluma High School to discuss his new book and inspire athletes, students and adults to persevere, especially in the face of adversity. The event will be held at 7pm in the multipurpose room and is a benefit for the school’s wrestling program.

In the book Robles discusses growing up in Arizona and confronting many challenges, including being bullied as a child and his family losing their home to foreclosure. The latter made him consider dropping out of Arizona State University so that he could help support his family.

Instead, Robles continued with his training and won the NCAA National Wrestling Championship.

The program will take place Tuesday, October 23 at 7pm at the Petaluma High School multipurpose room at 201 Fair St.