Anthony Robles continues to be one of the feel-good stories of the year.
Robles is an Arizona State wrestler who was born without a right leg. But he has refused to let that be a hindrance in his life — especially his wrestling.
Robles, the No. 1 seed in the 125-pound class at the NCAA Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia, is two victories away from winning the national championship.
He advanced to the national semifinals with a 9-3 decision Friday morning over Jarrod Patterson of Oklahoma, improving his record to 34-0. In one of the Friday night semifinals, Robles will face Ben Kjvar of Utah Valley. The championship match is scheduled for Saturday.
"I really don't see missing my leg as a handicap,” Robles told Philadelphia television station WPVI before the tournament. “You know, my parents raised me strong and they didn't give me any special treatment. So, I believe I can do anything I set my mind to and wrestling is something I enjoy, I love it and I'm just trying to be best at it."
Robles has won 120 matches in his career and is eighth on Arizona State’s career list.
He won two matches at these championships to get to Patterson, beating Matthew Snyder of Virginia and then Steven Keith of Harvard.
