Askren’s big sendoff
Story and photos by Shane Epping
When it comes to wrestling, BA can only stand for one thing in Columbia: Ben Askren. After qualifying June 15 for his first Olympic Games in the 74 kg weight class, Askren was the guest of honor today at a Missouri Wrestling Foundation banquet in the Peach Tree Catering and Banquet Center. About 160 rasslin’ fans donated $40 each to the foundation for a buffet lunch and a chance to shake the hand of the first Mizzou graduate to qualify for the Olympics in wrestling. When introduced at the podium, Askren received a standing ovation.
Busy with training and other obligations, Askren was both energized and tired. He laughed about sleeping through his alarm clock and waking up only 15 minutes before the banquet began. (He hasn’t had a day off in 34 days, he explained.) Asked whether he was prepared for the Olympics, Askren said no. “With more than a month until the day of competition, I shouldn’t be ready yet,” he said.
Jordan, Trey, Jasmine and Bobby Crawford receive Askren’s autograph on Truman the Tiger bobbleheads.
The two-time national champion added that he isn’t going to China for a vacation; he’s going to win: “If I’m going to go to the Olympics, I might as well go and win the gold medal.” Asked whether he ever was afraid in competition, he said he didn’t see what there was to fear on a wrestling mat: “It’s not like they’re going to whip out a weapon and kill me.”
His mettle will be tested on Aug. 20 when he competes in an Olympic 20-man bracket, in which wrestlers are not seeded but instead are matched by a random drawing. “The system is kind of complicated, but all you need to know is that if I win all my matches, I’ll win gold,” he said.
Well written, well shot, well edited.
oldoutsider | July17, 2008
Good luck Ben. kick some butt over there. We are all with you down here in in Camdenton. Mike
Mike Pickford | July 9, 2008
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