Rulon Gardner was born on August 16, 1971 in Afton, Wyoming.  Rulon is the youngest 9 children born to Reed and Virginia Gardner.   Raised on a dairy farm where they grew their own crops and milked cows twice a day, there was never a shortage of work to be done.  School did not come easy for Rulon.  He struggled with reading speed and comprehension but with the help and support of his family, Rulon was able to complete his schoolwork.  He successfully completed high school, and gained a wrestling scholarship to attend Ricks College.  From Ricks College, Rulon Gardner received a division 1 scholarship to wrestle for the University of Nebraska.

Rulon’s wrestling career began when he was 6 years old.  For one week every year, Star Valley would have a wrestling camp, which always concluded with a tournament on the weekend.  Rulon participated in this from age 6 until junior high school.  Rulon Gardner began a regular wrestling season while in junior high and continued until he graduated from the University of Nebraska.

Graduating from the University of Nebraska with a degree in physical education is something Rulon Gardner is very proud of.  After graduating from the University of Nebraska, Rulon continued his Olympic wrestling pursuit with full-time dedication.  Winning the Gold in Sydney did not come without dedication and sacrifice.  Rulon has sacrificed much in order to reach his Olympic aspirations.

Rulon Gardner has experienced wins as well as losses in his life.  Rulon has never dwelled on the negatives but instead takes each challenge and uses it as a means to improve his life.