Imagine chasing a dream so big that it could change the course of history. Now imagine doing it without the support that others before you had. Have you ever faced a moment where you knew you deserved something but didn’t get it? For one legendary athlete, this was a reality. His journey to greatness wasn’t just about winning. It was about paving the way for those who came after him.

We are talking about none other than legendary wrestling Olympic gold medalist Kenny Monday. For him, the moment of realization came unexpectedly, during a casual conversation after practice. Someone pointed out a fact that would forever shape his perspective, “Yeah, you know, when you win, you’ll be the first black Olympic gold medalist. And that’s all continents. I mean, not just African-American, but the first black Olympic gold medalist, you know, when you win.” Until then, he hadn’t fully grasped the weight of his journey. But hearing those words, he understood that his success would have an impact far beyond himself.

The wrestling legend fighting for the next generation

On Sunday USA Wrestling uploaded a video of him on their X handle, where the legend shares that this wasn’t just about personal glory. It was about representation, about inspiring future generations, and about proving that barriers were meant to be broken. But while he was making history on the mat, he was also experiencing setbacks. One of the most telling moments was when he realized that, despite his achievements, he didn’t receive a shoe. The shoe is a common recognition for elite wrestlers. “I knew I didn’t get a shoe and probably could have had a shoe,” he said. Instead of letting this discourage him, he chose to fight for those who came after him.

He didn’t let disappointment define him. Instead, he used his influence to make a change in the wrestling world. “I fought for him and then fought for Burroughs to get a shoe before he got his shoe,” he said, referring to the next generation of wrestlers KJ Evans and Jordan Burroughs. He knew that his efforts weren’t just about him. But they were about making things better for those who followed. His dream wasn’t just to win; it was “to fight for the guys that came after me.“

The legend’s impact on the sport wasn’t limited to his Olympic gold medal. It was about the doors he opened for others. The wrestler knew that the recognition he didn’t receive could be used to fuel change. “Just paying it forward, just kind of using your influence to change the world, to make change.” He became a mentor, an advocate, and a symbol of resilience. His story wasn’t just about personal success; it was about making sure that others had a smoother path than he did.

Kenny Monday winning beyond the mat

Despite the setbacks, he remained undeterred. The lack of a shoe didn’t stop him from becoming one of the greatest wrestlers in history. It didn’t stop him from inspiring young athletes or from making an impact that went beyond the wrestling mat. The wrestling champion understood that true success wasn’t just about individual achievement. It was about lifting others up.

Kenny’s legacy isn’t just in the medals he won in wrestling, but in the lives he touched. He fought not just for himself but for those who would come after him. And that is what makes his story so powerful. He turned a setback into an opportunity to help others, proving that real champions don’t just win; they ‘give back’.

So, what do you think makes an athlete truly great? Is it the medals, the recognition, or the impact they leave behind? Share your thoughts in the comments below!