Wayne Turner Wells (born September 29, 1946) is an American wrestler and Olympic champion in freestyle wrestling at the 1972 Olympic Games. Wells was born in Abilene, Texas and grew up in Oklahoma.Baughman, R. Wayne. (June 22, 2020). Why I love sports: Wayne Wells is a true Oklahoma sports hero. The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 31, 2022. In 1982, Wells was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member.
Wrestling career While wrestling at the University of Oklahoma, Wayne was a three-time Big Eight champion and a three-time All-American. He was an NCAA runner-up as a junior, he won the NCAA national championship the following year as a senior.
Wells placed fourth at the 1968 Olympic Games. While turning his attention to law school and the foundation of his professional career, Wayne intensified his wrestling efforts. He captured the silver medal at the 1969 World Championships, then returned a year later to win gold at the 1970 World Championships. He won two national freestyle titles and placed second in the Pan American Games. In the months leading up to the 1972 Olympics, he completed his final year of law school, passed the state bar exam, assisted the OU coaching staff, and trained five hours a day. At the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, he earned a gold medal in freestyle wrestling in the welterweight class."1972 Summer Olympics – München, Germany – Wrestling" . databaseOlympics.com. Retrieved September 13, 2008. Wells is also noted for being the first ever Nike signature athlete.Palmer, Mark. (February 4, 2020). Wayne Wells: Olympic gold medalist, first Nike signature athlete. InterMat Wrestling. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
In 1982, Wells was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member.
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