SALT LAKE (ABC 4 News) – Olympic gold medalist Rulon Gardner is not giving up on a career comeback, but said his health is more important at the moment.
Gardner planned to attend the U.S. Olympic Trials last week, but failed to meet the weight requirements. On the morning of the weigh-in, Gardner had 17 pounds to lose. According to Gardner, he pushed his body to the point that he felt faint and nauseous.
“My body started to react,” Gardner said. “I had five pounds to lose in six hours. Then I decided my health was more important than making the Olympic team.”
Gardner is a former competitor on the reality television weigh loss show “The Biggest Loser.” He lost a total of 205 pounds.
The 40-year-old said his dream isn’t to win another medal, but to be the epitome of health. Still, he plans to make another run for the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro.
“I know I still have it,” Gardner added. “It’s not a matter of proving it, it’s a matter of executing. I didn’t make it this time, but the next one is definitely an option.”
If Gardner makes the Olympic team in 2016, he would be the oldest wrestler to possibly win a medal.
