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Olympian Wrestler's Final Match After Lung Transplant
19 Jul
Summary
- Wrestler Ben Askren competed on his 42nd birthday after a double lung transplant.
- Askren lost his final wrestling match to Belal Muhammad with a 6-3 score.
- He spent 40 days in a coma and lost significant weight during recovery.
Former UFC fighter and Olympic wrestler Ben Askren concluded his competitive wrestling career on Saturday, July 15, 2024. The event took place at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, marking his final appearance on the mat on his 42nd birthday. Askren's return to wrestling was particularly significant as he had recently recovered from a severe health crisis.
Last year, Askren faced a life-threatening battle with pneumonia, which necessitated a double lung transplant. He endured a 40-day coma and experienced substantial weight loss during his recovery. Despite these challenges and lingering physical limitations, the two-time NCAA champion and 2008 Olympian returned to compete.
In his final match, Askren initially led 3-0 with strong defense but ultimately lost to former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad with a score of 6-3. Askren cited fatigue in his legs as the reason for his defeat. Following the match, he left his wrestling shoes on the mat, symbolizing his retirement from the sport, a decision he had announced prior to the bout.
