Anthony Robles, born on July 15, 1988, in La Mirada, California, is an American wrestler renowned for his remarkable achievements despite being born with only one leg. He gained national attention by winning the 2011 NCAA individual wrestling national championship in the 125-pound weight class while competing for Arizona State University (ASU).
Early Life and Wrestling Career
Robles was born without a right leg but chose not to use a prosthetic, embracing his unique physicality. He began wrestling in eighth grade and faced initial challenges, including being underweight for his class. Through dedication and leveraging his exceptional grip strength, Robles excelled, achieving a 96–0 record and securing two state championships in his junior and senior years at Mesa High School.
Despite his success, top college programs were hesitant to recruit him. Undeterred, Robles joined ASU, where he became a three-time Pac-10 champion and earned All-American honors three times. His senior year culminated in an undefeated season and the NCAA championship.
Post-Wrestling Endeavors
Beyond wrestling, Robles has made significant contributions as a motivational speaker, sharing his story to inspire others. In early 2019, he set a Guinness World Record by completing 62 pull-ups in one minute during a halftime event at a New York Jets game. Robles also served on President Barack Obama’s Fitness Council, promoting physical fitness nationwide.
Biopic: “Unstoppable”
Robles’ life story is portrayed in the biopic “Unstoppable,” released on Amazon Prime Video in January 2025. The film stars Jharrel Jerome as Robles and Jennifer Lopez as his mother, Judy. Robles actively participated in the film, serving as a producer and body double for the wrestling scenes, ensuring authenticity in the portrayal.
Current Role as a Coach
In 2022, Robles returned to his roots by becoming the wrestling coach at Mesa High School, aiming to mentor and inspire the next generation of wrestlers.