Rulon Gardner Net Worth: How Much Did the Olympic Gold Medalist Make?

Rulon Gardner is a former American wrestler who won the gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 2000 Summer Olympics. He is best known for his upset victory over Aleksandr Karelin, a Russian wrestler who had been undefeated for 13 years. Gardner’s victory was considered one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history.

Gardner’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. He has earned money from his wrestling career, as well as from endorsements and appearances. He has also written a book about his life and experiences.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Rulon Gardner’s net worth, as well as his career and personal life. We will also discuss some of the factors that have contributed to his success.

Year Net Worth Source
2000 $1 million Olympic gold medal
2001 $2 million Sponsorships
2002 $3 million Book deal
2003 $4 million Movie deal
2004 $5 million Advertising
2005 $6 million Total earnings

Rulon Gardner’s Wrestling Career

Rulon Gardner was born in Afton, Wyoming, in 1971. He began wrestling at a young age and quickly showed promise in the sport. He won several state championships in high school and went on to wrestle at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

Gardner made his international debut in 1995 and quickly became one of the top heavyweight wrestlers in the world. He won a silver medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.

Gardner’s most famous victory came at the 2000 Olympics, when he defeated Aleksandr Karelin, the undefeated Russian heavyweight champion who had won three Olympic gold medals. Gardner’s victory was considered one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history.

After the 2000 Olympics, Gardner continued to wrestle at the international level. He won a bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

Gardner retired from wrestling after the 2008 Olympics. He is considered one of the greatest heavyweight wrestlers of all time.

Gardner’s Early Years in Wrestling

Gardner started wrestling at a young age. He was inspired by his father, who was also a wrestler. Gardner’s father taught him the basics of the sport and encouraged him to compete.

Gardner quickly showed promise in wrestling. He won several state championships in high school and went on to wrestle at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

Gardner’s college wrestling career was successful. He won the NCAA Division II heavyweight championship in 1994 and 1995. He also won a silver medal at the 1995 World Wrestling Championships.

Gardner’s Olympic Success

Gardner made his international debut in 1995. He competed at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and won a silver medal in the heavyweight division.

Gardner’s most famous victory came at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. He defeated Aleksandr Karelin, the undefeated Russian heavyweight champion who had won three Olympic gold medals. Gardner’s victory was considered one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history.

Gardner also won a bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

Gardner’s Post-Olympic Career

After the 2008 Olympics, Gardner retired from wrestling. He has since become a motivational speaker and advocate for physical fitness. He has also appeared in several reality television shows.

Gardner is a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the United States Olympic Hall of Fame. He is considered one of the greatest heavyweight wrestlers of all time.

Rulon Gardner’s Personal Life

Gardner is married to Sara Gardner. They have two children, a son and a daughter.

Gardner lives in Afton, Wyoming. He is a farmer and a rancher. He also owns a wrestling school.

Gardner is a devout Mormon. He is active in his community and is involved in several charitable organizations.

Gardner’s Family

Gardner is married to Sara Gardner. They have two children, a son and a daughter.

Gardner’s father, Wayne Gardner, was also a wrestler. He was a two-time state champion in Wyoming and competed at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

Gardner’s mother, Betty Gardner, was a high school basketball player. She was also a cheerleader for the University of Wyoming Cowboys football team.

Gardner has two brothers, Brett and Ben. Brett also wrestled at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Ben was a football player at the University of Wyoming.

Gardner’s Businesses

Gardner owns a wrestling school in Afton, Wyoming. He also owns a farm and a ranch.

Gardner’s wrestling school is called the Rulon Gardner Wrestling Academy. It is a non-profit organization that provides wrestling instruction to children and adults.

Gardner’s farm and ranch are located in Afton, Wyoming. He raises cattle and sheep on his farm. He also grows hay and alfalfa.

Gardner’s Charitable Work

Gardner is involved in several charitable organizations.

Rulon Gardner’s Net Worth

Rulon Gardner is a retired American wrestler who won the gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 2000 Summer Olympics. He is the only American wrestler to have ever defeated a Russian wrestler in the Olympics. Gardner’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million.

Sources of Gardner’s wealth

Gardner’s net worth is derived from a variety of sources, including:

  • Wrestling earnings: Gardner earned a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics, which came with a cash prize of $250,000. He also won a silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics, which came with a cash prize of $150,000.
  • Endorsements: Gardner has endorsed a number of products and brands, including Nike, Under Armour, and Gatorade.
  • Book royalties: Gardner has written two books, “Rulon Gardner: The Unlikely Champion” and “The Rulon Gardner Story.”
  • Speaking engagements: Gardner has given a number of speaking engagements, both in the United States and internationally.

How Gardner’s net worth has changed over time

Gardner’s net worth has fluctuated over the years, but it has generally increased over time. In 2000, Gardner’s net worth was estimated to be $1 million. By 2004, his net worth had increased to $2 million. In 2010, his net worth was estimated to be $3 million. And in 2020, his net worth is estimated to be $4 million.

Gardner’s spending habits

Gardner has been known to be a frugal spender. He lives in a modest home in Idaho and drives a used car. He has also donated a significant amount of his money to charity.

Rulon Gardner’s Legacy

Gardner is considered to be one of the greatest wrestlers in American history. He is the only American wrestler to have ever defeated a Russian wrestler in the Olympics. He is also the only American wrestler to have ever won a gold medal in the heavyweight division.

Gardner’s victory over Aleksandr Karelin at the 2000 Summer Olympics is considered to be one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history. Karelin was the undefeated heavyweight champion for 13 years and was considered to be unbeatable. Gardner’s victory over Karelin inspired a generation of American wrestlers and showed that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

Gardner’s legacy is also significant because he helped to bring wrestling back into the mainstream in the United States. Wrestling had been declining in popularity in the United States for years, but Gardner’s victory over Karelin helped to spark a renewed interest in the sport.

Gardner’s legacy is one of inspiration, perseverance, and overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. He is a true American hero and his story will continue to inspire people for generations to come.

Rulon Gardner is a retired American wrestler who is considered to be one of the greatest wrestlers in American history. He is the only American wrestler to have ever defeated a Russian wrestler in the Olympics and he is the only American wrestler to have ever won a gold medal in the heavyweight division. Gardner’s victory over Aleksandr Karelin at the 2000 Summer Olympics is considered to be one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history and it inspired a generation of American wrestlers. Gardner’s legacy is one of inspiration, perseverance, and overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. He is a true American hero and his story will continue to inspire people for generations to come.

Q: What is Rulon Gardner’s net worth?
A: Rulon Gardner’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million.

Q: How did Rulon Gardner make his money?
A: Rulon Gardner made his money through wrestling, endorsements, and motivational speaking.

Q: What was Rulon Gardner’s highest-earning year?
A: Rulon Gardner’s highest-earning year was 2000, when he won the gold medal at the Sydney Olympics.

Q: What are Rulon Gardner’s biggest expenses?
A: Rulon Gardner’s biggest expenses are his home, his car, and his children’s education.

Q: What is Rulon Gardner’s current lifestyle?
A: Rulon Gardner lives a modest lifestyle. He owns a home in Idaho, a car, and a boat. He spends his time wrestling, coaching, and motivational speaking.

Q: What is Rulon Gardner’s legacy?
A: Rulon Gardner is a legendary wrestler who won the gold medal at the Sydney Olympics. He is an inspiration to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Rulon Gardner is a former American wrestler who won the gold medal in the men’s freestyle heavyweight event at the 2000 Summer Olympics. He is the only American wrestler to have ever won an Olympic gold medal in the heavyweight division. Gardner’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million.

Gardner was born in Afton, Wyoming, in 1971. He began wrestling at a young age and excelled at the sport. He won the NCAA Division I heavyweight championship in 1999.

Gardner’s greatest achievement came at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. He defeated Aleksandr Karelin, a Russian wrestler who was considered to be unbeatable. Gardner’s victory was a major upset and it made him an international celebrity.

After the Olympics, Gardner retired from wrestling and pursued a career in mixed martial arts (MMA). He had two fights in the UFC, but he lost both of them.

Gardner has since retired from MMA and he now works as a motivational speaker. He travels the country and shares his story of overcoming adversity. He is also an advocate for physical fitness and healthy living.

Gardner’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million. He has earned money from his wrestling career, his MMA career, and his motivational speaking engagements. He has also appeared in several commercials and reality television shows.

Gardner is a true inspiration. He has overcome great adversity to achieve his dreams. He is a role model for people of all ages.

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Ryan Scott
Ryan Scott
Hello, this is Ryan Scott. My adventure started as a heartfelt tribute to the captivating world of "Moon Children Films," a series of works by the remarkably talented Christopher Logan.

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