Indiana has had no Olympic wrestling champions.  I want to change that and bring home the Gold.

Wrestling just came natural to me since day in and day out it was a fight to survive in the Wissel household.  The passion for the sport began taking shape during my sophomore year of high school when I determined that I wanted to be more than an average wrestler.  This mindset has carried me through college and will carry me through my quest for the Olympic Gold.  

Through my desire and dedication for success as well as the help from others, I have achieved a great deal in the sport of wrestling at the state and national level.  My dreams and aspirations are to pursue even higher goals and achievements at the international level.  Funding is critical to achieving that goal.  The immediate need is financial aid for training and preparation as I emerge into world competition, leading to the 2012 Olympic Games in London.  The most effective way to prepare is to seek out and train with the world’s best and most competitive wrestlers in my weight class.
           
To maintain a competitive edge it is essential that I travel to Europe and Former Soviet Union (FSU) to compete against some of the best European and FSU wrestlers. Being able to train and compete in these areas helps to gain an added perspective as to how and why Europeans have had so much success. Furthermore, USA wrestling requires that all national team members compete in one international tournament per year. I personally don’t feel that one competition is enough exposure to acquire the proper appreciation of the old, new, and upcoming international wrestlers. I also find it very important to get exposure to foreign officials, as they are the individuals who predominantly officiate World class and Olympic events.
           
Besides competing at international tournaments, I must also compete in our own country to qualify for the National team.  The qualifying tournament for the National team is held annually in Las Vegas and determines who represents the U.S. at that weight class.  I must also travel to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs to work with the USA National coaches to build my strategy and improve my skills. 
           
As I reflect upon my wrestling career, I am very appreciative of all the support and help that has gotten me to where I am.  Now I am asking that you help me in my Olympic quest.  It will be an event in which we may all take pride, bringing Gold to the USA and Indiana.

I would like to follow up this information with a request for your financial support.


Yours Sincerely,

Ben Wissel