TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT
Cejudo set to be inducted into wrestling HOF
Henry Cejudo, who was a star wrestler at Phoenix Maryvale High School and later won an Olympic gold medal, is being inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame today.
Henry Cejudo may finally let his guard down.
A champion on the mat from Phoenix Maryvale High School to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Cejudo rarely finds himself in a vulnerable spot.
Until now.
The 31-year-old will be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a distinguished member on Saturday in Stillwater, Okla., where he will have all of the people who have helped him reach the top – a meteoric rise in the sport to win the gold medal – in attendance.
“I’m not an emotional person,” Cejudo said, “but this day gives me a chance to cry, to tell you, ‘Thank you,’ to say, ‘I’m sorry if I ever hurt you. I’ll get on my knees because I am here because of you.’
“I have a feeling I’m going to shed a couple of tears. I can feel it now.”
Cejudo’s journey has been well-chronicled, the youngest of six children from parents of undocumented Mexican immigrants, who was brought up in a tough Maryvale neighborhood. Between him and his older brother, Angel, the Cejudos won eight state high school wrestling
“I have a feeling I’m going to shed a couple of tears. I can feel it now.” Henry Cejudo On his Hall of Fame induction
titles.
Henry bypassed college to chase his dream.
He became the youngest American to win an Olympic wrestling gold medal 10 years ago.
He spent that night in Beijing sleeping on the floor, giving up his bed to his family members who were there to celebrate with him.
Three years ago, he finished his college degree at Grand Canyon University, while being an MAA fighter. It took him five years.
When he shows off the many decorations that fill his Phoenix home, he points to the college diploma as one of his shining moments.
“I don’t even do it for me,” he said. “You do it for those kids, like, ‘Hey, man, there is still life other than sports. You don’t want to be hallow in your heart.’ ”
There are many plaques. There is his Olympic gold medal. His UFC gloves. Autographed wrestling shoes. Framed jerseys he received from the Diamondbacks and the Chicago White Sox after throwing out first pitches shortly after his Olympic championship.
“A lot of this stuff here, it’s really for the community,” Cejudo said. “My whole house is filled with memorabilia. I did it for them.”
Cejudo recently returned from MAA training in Brazil.
His passion still burns, but now it is in an octagon. His dream now turns to being a UFC world champion.
“You see the mountain and you’re almost at the tip and you can’t get your fingers across,” he said. “Until you do, until I pull myself to the top of the mountain, I can rest.
“I can enjoy the view again.”