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Anthony Robles: The Definition of Unstoppable

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Written by Jennifer Tkach


Although you may not recognize the name, after reading and understanding his story, it is a name you will never forget. 


On July 20, 1988, in the city La Mirada, located southeast in the Golden State of California, Anthony Robles was born a healthy baby boy to Judy Robles. Despite an uncomplicated delivery, there was something different about the boy that was not anticipated by his mother, nor by his doctors; he was born without his right leg entirely. This was a phenomenon, something that doctors could not explain or rationalize, having happened for unknown reasons. Despite this twist of fate, like any good parent should, Anthony’s mother did not let his disability impact the potential she knew her son was destined with. Instead, she encouraged her son that his disability was how God made him to be, saying “God made [Anthony] this way for a reason” (Judy Robles), and did everything in her power to ensure her son trusted in this. Anthony would go on to describe his mom to be “[his] everything”, explaining that his mom was his pillar of support, and was there for him not only in ways that no one else could , but also when no one else was. As a result of her unconditional support, Anthony would go on to achieve unparalleled success, but not without trial and error.


Anthony was first introduced to the art of wrestling through his older cousin who would take him to his own wrestling matches. Although initially uninterested in the sport, Anthony decided it was worth giving a try, a try which would eventually turn into a powerful passion. Having moved from La Mirada, California, to Mesa, Arizona, at the young age of fourteen Anthony tried out for his high school wrestling team. Joining the team weighing only 90 pounds, having a smaller build, and with a disability, it appeared as though he was one of the weaker and less successful wrestlers on the team. Notably, Anthony placed last in the city tournament that same school year, but that was something that only served as motivation to improve. Backed with his fierce determination and the support of his mother and loved ones, Anthony continued to train and pursue the sport of wrestling, which would result in an incredible secondary school record for wrestling. Anthony achieved a 96-0 record, alongside being a 2-time Arizona State Champion in terms of wrestling, commencing his senior years with admirable improvement. Such a commendable track record, however, did not inspire much faith in his post-secondary endeavours.


Anthony was met with more tribulations when applying to post-secondary wrestling programs in 2006, where many were met with rejection. It was believed that someone missing a leg and being as small as he was would not result in success, and that including him with other successful national wrestlers was futile. Although he had received an offer from one wrestling school, he received not even so much as a phone call back when it came to his preferred choices. Many might take that as a sign to cease their passion, to move on and forget; Anthony was not one to do so. Instead, Anthony did the exact opposite, and worked hard to earn his place, to showcase his talent and strength. Armed with the passion his mother had cultivated within him, Anthony proceeded to train relentlessly, not only physically, but mentally as well. His love for wrestling kept him continuously motivated, pushing himself to rightfully earn a spot on the Arizona State University’s wrestling team as a a walk-in. Although passionate, something Anthony practiced that proved to be incredibly beneficial was dividing his time equally, taking everything one day at a time, advice he often relayed back to younger, aspiring athletes. By 2007, Anthony would claim a spot on ASU’s wrestling team despite being met with initial rejection. Once on the team, Anthony proved himself with ease, becoming a three-time All-American, a commendable title meaning he was recognized as the best wrestler in his weight class, not once, not twice, but an impressive three times. This was only one of many more achievements Anthony would attain in the years to come.


A short four years later, Anthony Robles won the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championship. Not only did he win the championship, Anthony additionally remained undefeated between 2010 and 2011, evidently as a result of his dedication and continued hard work. Despite having only one leg, Anthony used that to his advantage, engaging his upper body to achieve victory after victory, and ultimately being victorious in the championship. Shortly after, Anthony made the decision of retiring from the sport, leaving the arena an undefeated national champion, and the first one-legged wrestler to win the title, redefining the expectations for the sport entirely. From there, Anthony pursued a career as a motivational speaker and author, sharing his incredible story of perseverance, and how he overcame the many obstacles in his path. His memoir, Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated – How I Became a Champion, brilliantly illustrates to readers that overcoming adversity, although often a difficult feat, is not impossible. He chronicles the hardships he faced, from youth to adulthood, in social settings and on the mat, and what life was like without his right leg. An inspirational read that resonates with a wide audience, Anthony Robles once again demonstrates that success truly knows no bounds.


It is no secret that Anthony Robles is an incredibly motivated and commendable individual that any and all can turn to for inspiration. His story in its entirety recalls the importance of perseverance, highlighting the importance of not letting people tell you what you can and cannot achieve. As of 2024, an American biographical sports drama titled “Unstoppable” debuted, a film that narrates Anthony’s incredible wrestling journey. Directed by William Goldenburg, and featuring many notable names including Jennifer Lopez as Judy Robles, and Jharrel Jerome as Anthony himself, the film has been recognized for profound storytelling, alongside the heartfelt performances, a beautiful insight into an already captivating story. Anthony proves time and again he is a paragon for success, demonstrating that anyone can succeed in any arena, that any barrier can be conquered when paired with self-conviction and a certain confidence. At the end of the day, the only person that can stop you from doing whatever it is that you want to do, is you. So, when do you plan on becoming unstoppable?



Works Cited

“About.” Anthony Robles, anthonyrobles.com/about.

  Cross, Shannon. “Q&A: Anthony Robles.” ESPN, ESPN Internet Ventures, www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/7833398/qa-national-wrestling-champion-anthony-robles.

Doyle, Doug. “The Inspiring Story of 2011 NCAA Wrestling Champion Anthony Robles in ‘Unstoppable.’” WBGO, www.wbgo.org/podcast/sportsjam/2025-01-14/the-inspiring-story-of-2011-ncaa-wrestling-champion-anthony-robles-in-unstoppable.

Press, Associated. “Anthony Robles Brings Career to Perfect End.” Deseret News, Deseret News, 2 Jan. 2024, www.deseret.com/2011/3/26/20181319/anthony-robles-brings-career-to-perfect-end/.

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