| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
Taylor at the Munich Olympics on August 30, 1972, after winning his third round match in freestyle wrestling. |
||
| Men's Freestyle Wrestling | ||
| Bronze | 1972 Munich | Super Heavyweight |
Chris Taylor (June 13, 1950 – 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 until the appearance of judoka Ricardo Blas, Jr. in 2008.[1] (This was well before weight limits were imposed on the highest level of amateur wrestling.)
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The 6 ft 5 in (196 cm) Taylor, wrestled for Dowagiac High School in Dowagiac, Michigan, Muskegon Community College in Muskegon, Michigan, and Iowa State University (winning the NCAA heavyweight championship in 1972 by defeating Greg Wojciechowski), and won the bronze medal at the 1972 Olympics, losing only to Alexander Medved.[2] During the games, he was suplayed by Wilfried Dietrich from West Germany during their match, which has been incorrectly said to have broken Dietrich's neck.[3] He reportedly reached over 500 pounds in weight.[1]
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. He was Trained by Verne Gagne and Billy Robinson. His debut was in 1974 vs Rene Goulet Finishing Move was the Bearhug.[4]
Taylor died at home in Story City, Iowa at the age of 29, two years after health problems caused him to retire from professional wrestling.[5]