You might be aware that Abraham Lincoln served as the 16th president of the United States and also that he was assassinated in 1865. But did you know that the American statesman was also an accomplished wrestler? As a young man standing at six feet four inches tall, he participated in local wrestling competitions for over a decade and rarely lost any of the bouts. He was also said to be good at running, jumping and pitching the crowbar. He was recognised by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, which inducted him as an “Outstanding American” in the sport in 1992.
During the seven years he lived in the small town of New Salem, Illinois, where he learned to be a lawyer, Lincoln took part in the local activity of wrestling. All of the men in town participated, so Lincoln felt he should too. No one thought a six foot four tall man could wrestle well, but he did. In seven years, he won 299 out of 300 recorded fought matches. Not too shabby for a lanky fellow.
He even became a hometown hero after defeating local bully Jack Armstrong. Ironically, Lincoln defended Armstrong in a court case in the next few years. Lincoln was seemingly a natural born leader. With his ability to command a room, give a powerful speech and negotiate, he is regarded as one of the best presidents in American history. As a leader, Lincoln was determined to hold together a nation that was falling apart at the seams.
Picture Credit : Google
