Anthony Robles, an extraordinary athlete who defied all odds, has inspired millions with his journey from a young boy born without a leg to a wrestling champion and motivational speaker. His life story is now the focus of the emotional sports drama Unstoppable, starring Jharrel Jerome as Robles, alongside Jennifer Lopez, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, and Don Cheadle. The film chronicles Robles’ path to becoming an NCAA Division I wrestling champion, showcasing his unwavering determination and the pivotal role of his family, particularly his mother, Judy.
The Beginnings of a Wrestling Champion
Born on July 20, 1988, in Mesa, Arizona, Anthony Robles faced challenges from the moment he entered the world. Born without a right leg due to a congenital condition, Robles struggled with societal perceptions of his abilities. However, he found a source of strength in his mother, Judy, who taught him to embrace his uniqueness and believe in himself.
Robles began wrestling at the age of 14, inspired by his mother’s encouragement. Although he was the smallest and least experienced member of his team, his determination set him apart. Initially, his efforts were met with setbacks, finishing last in his first tournament. But Robles persevered, and his hard work paid off. By his junior and senior years in high school, he achieved an astonishing 96-0 record, becoming a two-time Arizona State Champion and the High School National Champion.
Overcoming Doubts in College Wrestling
After high school, Robles aimed to continue his wrestling journey at the collegiate level. However, many colleges doubted whether a one-legged wrestler could succeed against the best in the nation. Undeterred, Robles joined the Arizona State University wrestling team, determined to prove the doubters wrong.
During his college career, Robles achieved remarkable success, becoming a three-time All-American and, most notably, the 2011 NCAA National Champion in the 125-pound weight class. His achievements silenced skeptics and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of his time.
The Role of Family and Faith
Throughout his journey, Robles credits his mother, Judy, as his greatest source of support. In an interview with SportsJam with Doug Doyle, Robles said, “My mom has been everything to me. She’s my hero. She believed in me when no one else did.”
Judy’s unwavering belief in her son helped him navigate the challenges of growing up with a disability. Her encouragement taught him to focus on his strengths and instilled a resilience that would drive him to greatness. Robles often speaks about how his mother’s perspective allowed him to see beyond societal limitations, enabling him to achieve what others deemed impossible.
Life After Wrestling
Following his historic wrestling career, Anthony Robles transitioned into a new chapter as a motivational speaker. He has inspired audiences worldwide with his story of perseverance, emphasizing the importance of faith, hard work, and self-belief. Robles also serves as a commentator for NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, a role he has held since 2012.
In 2018, Robles set a Guinness World Record for the most pull-ups in one minute, further demonstrating his physical and mental fortitude. Additionally, he authored his memoir, Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion, in 2012, sharing his journey and life lessons with readers.
The Making of Unstoppable
Unstoppable, based on Robles’ memoir, brings his inspiring story to the big screen. The film captures his journey from adversity to triumph, highlighting the people and experiences that shaped his life. Jharrel Jerome stars as Robles, with Jennifer Lopez, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, and Don Cheadle in supporting roles.
Robles was actively involved in the film’s development and spoke about the experience of entrusting his story to the creative team. “The scariest part for me is that loss of control and having faith,” he told People magazine. “But with this amazing group of individuals, we knew we could trust them.” Robles praised the film for capturing the essence of his story, saying, “It was told so beautifully. It respected what we went through, but also captured where our strength came from.”
A Legacy of Inspiration
Anthony Robles’ journey serves as a powerful reminder that limitations are often defined by mindset rather than circumstance. With an estimated net worth of $3 million, earned through his wrestling career, speaking engagements, and book sales, Robles continues to use his platform to inspire and uplift others.
He frequently emphasizes the importance of self-belief, saying, “We all have disabilities; mine just happens to be more visible. But if we focus on our abilities, we can overcome anything.”
Conclusion
Anthony Robles’ story is one of unwavering determination, love, and the power of belief. From overcoming physical and societal challenges to achieving greatness on and off the mat, Robles exemplifies what it means to be truly unstoppable. As audiences watch Unstoppable and learn about his incredible journey, they are reminded that with resilience and the support of loved ones, anything is possible.
Whether as an athlete, motivational speaker, or author, Anthony Robles continues to leave an indelible mark on the world, inspiring others to rise above challenges and pursue their dreams.