The Humboldt farm boy who became the world heavyweight wrestling champion and America's first great grappling star.
Frank Gotch was born near Humboldt, in north-central Iowa, in 1877. A powerful catch-as-catch-can wrestler, he rose through the American ranks to national fame.
His victories over the “Russian Lion” George Hackenschmidt in 1908 and 1911 made him the undisputed world heavyweight champion and one of the most famous athletes in America, helping turn wrestling into a major spectator sport.
Gotch was America's first great wrestling hero, drawing enormous crowds and gate receipts in the sport's golden age. His Iowa hometown of Humboldt honors him with a park bearing his name.
He remains a legend of American wrestling.
The Humboldt farm boy who became the world heavyweight wrestling champion and America's first great grappling star.
Frank Gotch was from Humboldt, Iowa.
1877–1917.
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