Robert Pearce (wrestler)

Robert Pearce
Personal information
Born	February 29, 1908; Wyaconda, Missouri, U.S.
Died	March 15, 1996 (aged 88); Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada
Home town	Cushing, Oklahoma, U.S.
Sport
Country	United States
Sport	Wrestling
Event(s)	Freestyle and Folkstyle
College team	Oklahoma A&M
Team	USA
Coached by	Edward C. Gallagher
Medal record
Men's freestyle wrestling
Representing the United States
Olympic Games
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing Oklahoma A&M
NCAA Championships

Robert Pearce (February 29, 1908 – March 15, 1996) was an American wrestler and olympic champion. He competed at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where he won a gold medal in freestyle bantamweight.^[1]

Early years

Pearce initially took up wrestling during his youth to strengthen himself physically from a constant struggle with allergies. While in high school in Cushing, Oklahoma, Pearce had three undefeated seasons and won three Oklahoma state championships.

College

Pearce wrestled collegiately at Oklahoma A&M (now called Oklahoma State), helping extend head coach Edward C. Gallagher's winning streak to 70 consecutive matches. Overall, Pearce was 60-4-1, winning the NCAA title in 1931 and finishing as runner-up in 1932.

International

Following his runner-up finish as a senior in 1932, Pearce responded by winning the gold medal at the 1932 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, California. His gold medal in 1932 was the first ever for an Oklahoman wrestler.

In 1981, Pearce was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member.^[2]