American Olympic wrestler and esteemed collegiate coach
Remembering those we recently lost
Plant the first tree in their honor
Key moments and achievements from Robert Douglas's life.
Robert was born
· Ames, Iowa, United States
Achievement
At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Bobby Douglas became the first Black American to compete in Olympic wrestling, breaking a significant racial barrier in the sport and finishing fourth in the featherweight division.
Achievement
At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Bobby Douglas became the first Black American to compete in Olympic wrestling, breaking a significant racial barrier in the sport and finishing fourth in the featherweight division.
Achievement
Douglas helped Oklahoma State capture the 1964 NCAA wrestling team title. The Cowboys never lost a dual meet with Douglas in the lineup, and he won the Big Eight Conference 147-pound crown with a collegiate record of 72-2.
Achievement
Douglas helped Oklahoma State capture the 1964 NCAA wrestling team title. The Cowboys never lost a dual meet with Douglas in the lineup, and he won the Big Eight Conference 147-pound crown with a collegiate record of 72-2.
Achievement
Douglas earned a silver medal at the 1966 World Wrestling Championships, establishing himself as one of the top freestyle wrestlers in the world and continuing to break barriers in international competition.
Achievement
Douglas earned a silver medal at the 1966 World Wrestling Championships, establishing himself as one of the top freestyle wrestlers in the world and continuing to break barriers in international competition.
Achievement
At the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Robert Edward Douglas made history by serving as the first Black American captain of the U.S. Olympic freestyle wrestling team. Competing in the featherweight division, Douglas demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical skill on the world stage during a period of intense international competition. His role as captain was a testament to his peers' respect for his mastery of the sport and his ability to inspire a diverse group of elite athletes. This milestone further solidified the legacy of Robert Edward Douglas as a trailblazer who dismantled racial barriers while representing the United States with distinction.
Achievement
At the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Robert Edward Douglas made history by serving as the first Black American captain of the U.S. Olympic freestyle wrestling team. Competing in the featherweight division, Douglas demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical skill on the world stage during a period of intense international competition. His role as captain was a testament to his peers' respect for his mastery of the sport and his ability to inspire a diverse group of elite athletes. This milestone further solidified the legacy of Robert Edward Douglas as a trailblazer who dismantled racial barriers while representing the United States with distinction.
Achievement
As head wrestling coach at Arizona State University, Douglas led the Sun Devils to the 1988 NCAA team national championship, becoming one of only four collegiate coaches to win more than 400 dual meets in their career.
Achievement
As head wrestling coach at Arizona State University, Douglas led the Sun Devils to the 1988 NCAA team national championship, becoming one of only four collegiate coaches to win more than 400 dual meets in their career.
Achievement
Douglas coached Cael Sanderson to a gold medal in the 185-pound weight class at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, adding Olympic coaching success to his legendary career that produced 13 NCAA champions and 110 All-America performances.
Achievement
Douglas coached Cael Sanderson to a gold medal in the 185-pound weight class at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, adding Olympic coaching success to his legendary career that produced 13 NCAA champions and 110 All-America performances.
Robert Douglas passed away
