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Famous LDS People: Athletes

At the end of each summer, the Gardners would take a family trip to Salt Lake City. When Rulon was 6 years old, he had been taken to Lagoon (an amusement park) with his 4 older brothers and was given the directive to stay with his brothers and mom would be back before dark. When it started getting late, Rulon decided he was tired and wanted to go back to the motel. So, Rulon began a 25-mile hike, along the interstate, to the motel. Mom contacted the police, who found Rulon walking along the median, headed to "my motel in Salt Lake." Rulon had no fear, he just wanted to get back to the motel to take a nap.

While in 3rd grade Rulon was proud to show his class a couple of new arrows the neighbor had given him. After showing the class, Rulon was preparing to put them away, and dropped one of the arrows. In the process of picking it up, Rulon punctured his abdomen with another arrow. Mom and dad were out of town, so Marcella (in 6th grade) took Rulon across the fence to the emergency room. Dr. Perkes commented that Rulon had just missed puncturing something vital; Rulon was stitched up and returned to school.

School did not come easy for Rulon. Rulon struggled with reading speed, and comprehension. With the help and support of family, Rulon was able to complete his schoolwork. Most school nights found Rulon after 10 p.m. lying on mom’s bed while mom read his books to him, and then assisted him with his assignments. With a great deal of frustration, Rulon successfully completed high school, and gained a wrestling scholarship to attend Ricks College. From Ricks College, Rulon received a division 1 scholarship to wrestle for the University of Nebraska.

Rulon’s wrestling career began when he was 6 years old. For 1 week every year, Star Valley would have a wrestling camp, which always concluded with a tournament on the weekend. Rulon participated in this from 6 years old until he started junior high school at 12 years old. Rulon began a regular wrestling season while in junior high and continued with the wrestling seasons until he graduated from the University of Nebraska.

Graduating from the University of Nebraska with a degree in physical education is something Rulon is very proud of. After graduating from the University of Nebraska, Rulon continued his Olympic wrestling pursuit with full-time dedication. Winning the Gold in Sydney did not come without dedication and sacrifice. Rulon has sacrificed much in order to reach his Olympic aspirations. Rulon is currently a resident athlete at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO.

Rulon has experienced wins as well as losses in his life. Rulon has never dwelled on the negatives in his life, instead takes each challenge and uses it as a means to improve his life.

*Information for these biographies came from the following sources: rulongardner.com, Sports Gallery, Latter-day Heroes by Chad Hawkins, BYU Cougar Club, Lordly & Dame, Inc.