Olympian Gardner a big winner in life

IOWA CITY - Rulon Gardner knows many will see he missed weight at the Olympic Wrestling Trials and failed in his comeback attempt.

As a wrestler, he understands and agrees.

As a person, however, this “Biggest Loser” feels like a big winner.

A Greco-Roman gold medalist in the 2000 Olympics and a bronze medalist in 2004, the 40-year-old Gardner weighed 474 pounds two years ago. On Friday, he weighed in here at 269 1/2, nearly 200 pounds lighter, but 5 pounds too much to take the mat.

“I came here to prove that I, hopefully, still have the heart of champion,” he said. “I still have a lot in my heart.”

And he's still alive.

Two years ago, his sister, a cardiologist, told him he'd be dead in five years if he didn't get his health back. He went on the “Biggest Loser” television show as his first step toward a healthier life, with an eye on a wrestling comeback.

But, he said, it never was about winning more medals or even making the Olympic team.

“That's the journey I was on,” he said of living healthier. “I felt I was the healthiest when I was back wrestling ... the healthiest, the happiest.

“This sport ... gave me a passion to live.”

He worked hard in his comeback attempt - “harder than any guy on our team,” national Greco-Roman Coach Steve Fraser said - but in the end his body didn't respond like it did eight years ago.

“My body told me it wasn't right yesterday,” he said.

He had to make a decision between reality and the dream.

“If you don't have reality, you can't reach your dream,” he said.

Or, in Gardner's case, his life.