Harry Steel

Ohio State’s Harry Steel was a big ol’ farm boy who had almost no coaching, but was strong as the proverbial ox. At the 1924 Olympics , he had no experience to speak of, his best finish against good competition having been third in the 1924 AAU tournament, but in Paris he came under the tutelage of America’s top wrestler, Robin Reed. Reed taught Steel some moves, notably a leg dive that he learned quickly and used throughout the competition. The new skills, combined with his natural strength, paid off, as he won the gold medal.