Gardner is the most successful Greco-Roman wrestler in American history. He did the unthinkable at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia when he defeated 12-time World and Olympic champion Alexander Karelin from Russia in the finals. Gardner won a World title in 2001 and was a bronze medalist at the 2004 Olympics.
"This is something really special," Gardner mentioned. "To be honored you have to be willing to put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into Greco-Roman wrestling. I'm just a simple person who wanted to be great and was committed and willing to do the hard work."
Gardner carried the American flag in the closing ceremonies of the Sydney Olympics, an honor reserved for the biggest star of the Games.
Gardner joins the Class of 2009 in this elite hall. The inaugural class included Olympic champions Steve Fraser and Jeff Blatnick, and World champions Mike Houck, Dennis Hall and Joe Warren.
Alan and Gloria Rice, namesakes of the hall of champions, have been instrumental to the advancement of Greco-Roman wrestling in the United States. Alan Rice was a Big Ten champion and an All-American for the University of Minnesota. He placed fifth at the 1956 Olympics and coached the 1972 Greco-Roman Olympic team. The hall is located in the Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, Iowa.
The Jim and Olive Morgan family will receive the Greco-Roman Legacy Award for their accomplishments in the Greco-Roman discipline. John, Gordy and Marty Morgan won a combined 10 national Greco-Roman titles and competed in two Olympics and nine World championships.
Head coach Jim Jackson and his Apple Valley High School team will also be recognized. Apple Valley was the best high school team in the nation the past two seasons.
The evening begins with a reception at 6:00 p.m. followed by a dinner at 7:00 and an awards ceremony at 8:00.
Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at www.dgm-nwhof.ticketleap.com or by calling the Dan Gable Museum at 319-233-0745.
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