Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) were notified by President Trump that he plans to bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, to Iowan Dan Gable at the White House. The Iowa senators had reached out to the White House after hearing about grassroots support in Iowa for this award.
“Dan Gable demonstrates that through hard work and determination you can accomplish great things. While he’s famous for winning awards both as a wrestler and as a wrestling coach, he’s also well-known and respected for his focus on family and giving back to his community and state. Congratulations on receiving this prestigious and well-deserved award,” Grassley said.
“Dan Gable is an iconic wrestler from my alma mater, Iowa State, a successful Hawkeye wrestling coach, and a USA Wrestling, National Wresting, and U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame inductee. For all of this, and much more, Mr. Gable is so deserving of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Congratulations to Dan on receiving the highest honor for any civilian; keep making Iowa proud!” Ernst said.
Gable is one of the most well-known wrestlers of all time. He had a historic career with a 181-1 high school and collegiate record at Iowa State University. He then went on to win the 1972 Olympic Gold Medal without giving up a single point. Following his time as a wrestler, he went on to coach at the University of Iowa where he developed 152 All-Americans, 45 National Champions, 106 Big Ten Champions and 12 Olympians.
Congratulations are in order for Iowa wrestling LEGEND Dan Gable who is being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by @realDonaldTrump This is the highest civilian honor u can receive BIG NEWS & Gr8 honor for Coach Gable & our state
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) October 14, 2020
