Franklin High School Graduates
Portland, Oregon (OR)
Robin Reed
US Olympic Gold Medalist wrestling 1924
What is Robin Reed known for?
Born on October 20, 1899, in Pettigrew, Arkansas, Robin Reed grew into an exceptional figure in the world of wrestling. He spent his formative years in Portland, Oregon, where his journey in wrestling began at Franklin High School. There, Reed wrestled for a gym credit but ended up going undefeated throughout his high school wrestling career. Reed's talent was undeniable, and his early experiences in wrestling at Franklin High School undoubtedly played a key role in shaping his future career.
Following his high school years, Reed attended Oregon State University, where he continued to demonstrate his incredible prowess on the mat. He never lost a match at the collegiate level, winning the National AAU championship multiple times and even led the local Corvallis High School wrestling team to the Oregon state championship while still a student.
Reed's extraordinary athleticism was not confined to college wrestling. He participated in the Pacific Northwest Olympic team trials, triumphing in a variety of weight classes. At the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, he won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling. His performance was so exceptional that many believed he could have won a gold medal in every weight class, had the rules allowed it.
After his triumphant time in the Olympics, Reed left amateur wrestling with an astonishing record – never having lost a match, a feat matched only by Japan's Osamu Watanabe. His wrestling prowess didn't diminish as he transitioned into coaching, leading the Oregon State wrestling team to their first national AAU championship in 1926. Reed also embarked on a ten-year professional wrestling career in late 1926, marking another chapter in his remarkable journey in the world of wrestling.
Robin Reed passed away on December 20, 1978, in Salem, Oregon, leaving behind a legacy of unmatched achievements and setting the bar for future wrestlers. His life serves as a great source of inspiration for aspirants in every field, encouraging them to pursue their passion with diligence and commitment.