Chris Taylor (wrestler)

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Chris Taylor (born June 13, 1950 – died June 30, 1979) was an American freestyle wrestler who competed at 1972 Munich Olympics. At 412 pounds (187 kg) he was the heaviest Olympian ever.

The 6 ft 5 in (196 cm) Taylor, who wrestled for Iowa State University (winning the NCAA heavyweight championship in 1972 by defeating Greg Wojciechowski) and Dowagiac High School in Dowagiac, MI, won the bronze medal at the 1972 Olympics, after which he started a career in professional wrestling. Reportedly reaching over 500 pounds in weight, Taylor died of a heart attack at the age of 29.

Wilfried Dietrich (West Germany) throws Chris Taylor (USA) during their match at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Dietrich won. Video of the Match [LJ9Y]

Taylor once wrestled professionally in the American Wrestling Association where he faced Ric Flair. At the time, nothing was thought of Flair, and Taylor was thought to be the future star.