Abraham Lincoln was an elite wrestler who lost only once in 300 matches
Before becoming president, Abraham Lincoln was one of the best wrestlers in Illinois, winning approximately 300 matches with only one known defeat in his 20s. At 6'4" with unusually long arms and exceptional strength, Lincoln used a style called 'catch-as-catch-can' and was known for throwing opponents with one hand. He is honoured in the Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was also a licensed bartender, a co-owner of a general store, and a champion rail-splitter — a physical life that his presidential image rarely reflects.
The Lincoln of portraits and the Lincoln Memorial is solemn, statesman-like, iconic. Discovering he was also a dominant athlete who barely ever lost a physical contest creates a human being far more vivid than the monument.
“Abraham Lincoln was an elite wrestler who lost only once in approximately 300 matches. He's in the Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was also 6'4" and a licensed bartender. 🤼 #OddlyHuman”