With the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Olympic Games just 10 days away, all eyes are on London as athletes, coaches and fans from around the world converge on the historic city.
One of the individuals making his way to London is alumnus James Johnson ’81 SW. The former UK wrestling great has the amazing opportunity to serve as a coach for the Team USA Greco-Roman wrestling team.
Greco-Roman wrestling is considered one of the oldest sports in the world, according to the official 2012 Olympics website. It is an intricate sport where athletes use just their upper bodies and arms to compete.
“It is a great honor and blessing to be chosen to coach the USA Greco-Roman wrestling team on the world’s largest stage for sports in the Olympic Games,” he says. “My goal personally as a coach, which I have shared with each of our Olympians, is to embrace this moment for you, and your family and make history. I believe that this group of athletes is capable, willing and able to win medals at the Olympic Games.”
Johnson, who now resides in Phoenix, Ariz., is no stranger to winning medals himself. After excelling at UK, he went on to win the national championship in Greco-Roman wrestling three times and was a four-time World Cup medalist. He was also a runner-up in the 1992 Olympic trials.
Good luck to Coach Johnson and the USA Greco-Roman team as they wrestle for gold!
James Johnson ’81 SW
Meet this guy on a plane before I knew who he was and he was a very cordial and humble guy. He is really a good guy at heart. He gave me his business card and was very open to doing a interview with me for a documentary. Best of luck to him and the USA team in the 2012 Olympics.