Wrestling fans sat and enjoyed an incredible six days in Paris last week that culminated with a historic world title by Team USA. Led by gold medalists Jordan Burroughs and Kyle Snyder, the incredible showings of these champions resonated within the wrestling community as the history books gained another epic chapter.

In the mix of who sat on the edge of their seat watching in amazement was Russ Hellickson. The Olympic and world medalist who went on to coach at Ohio State from 1986 to 2006 was so incredibly impressed with our champions that he penned a letter to give Team USA's members some added recognition and thank them for their performances and how they are the prime examples of role models.

Here is Hellickson's letter:

Examples for Posterity

It is not difficult to recognize heroes. Heroes never proclaim themselves. Heroes always enhance others.

But sometimes we nod our head in acknowledgement, without truly embracing the magnitude of the performance, or highlighting the precious uniqueness, and rarity, of the venture, or its treasured impact.

As an old-timer, ah… semi old-timer, I was impressed, motivated, and inspired by the U.S. freestyle victory at the World Championships in France. Not because of what was accomplished, but because of how it was accomplished. We are measured in life by what we do, but more so by the way we do it. Kyle Snyder and Jordan Burroughs stand taller than the rest. Not because they won, but because they are winners.

I am not personal friends with either, but feel like I have known them all my life. I was immersed in wrestling as a college coach for 36 years, driven, like my peers, to build, and mold, and influence young wrestlers to compete, and think and act like… well, Kyle Snyder and Jordan Burroughs.

The real tale of the tape… No bravado and pompous arrogance. Oodles of confidence, predicated by constant reference to hard work, and diligence, and resolve. Palpable respect for their opponents displayed during every bout and every interview. Dedicated commitment of time, effort, and energy to youth and the sport they love. No excuses, ever. Outward concern and control of their personal and social lives.

There is no greater force in our human universe than influence. Every time I see them compete, I feel good. Wrestling is great, but they make it a better. Their finals matches were two of the most entertaining and hard-fought contests I have ever witnessed, and I commentated on hundreds of phenomenal matches of our wrestling legends.

It is sad that at the same time Kyle and Jordan led the U.S. to its first freestyle world title in 22 years, sports news was dominated by a boxing clown fest, which epitomized greed, hatred, and public manipulation.

Jordan's comeback to the top of the wrestling world represents the hardest, most demanding focus and commitment in the athletic world. It doesn't happen often and is further testimony to his special character. He IS a five-time world and Olympic champion.

Kyle will be 22 this year... 22! He's already a three-time world and Olympic champion, and crazy times crazy, will celebrate his historic accomplishment preparing to win his third NCAA title. Did I say crazy yet?

As a wrestler who trained and competed on the world and Olympic stage for 10 years, these guys are MY heroes. Been there, tried that. I only knocked on the door that they blasted open.

I want us all to recognize and appreciate their success, but to admire most, how they carried themselves on the road to victory and how honestly, humbly, and respectfully they paid homage and tribute to the sport, and their opponents, after claiming what they worked, sacrificed, and fought hard to EARN. Competition is the greatest experience in life. If it is done right, somebody wins, somebody loses, but everybody gains! We were fortunate to actually observe this as it unfolded at the top level of wrestling competition. It's worth embracing for a lifetime.

Congratulations to all who played a role in this special run and contributed to a unique and rare and treasured outcome.

Hats off, also, to the continued growth and success of women's freestyle wrestling and particularly to a dominant three-time world and Olympic champion, Helen Maroulis.

On behalf of all my grandchildren, thank you for your leadership. There is nothing more contagious than example.


Russ Hellickson
August 28, 2017