2011 NCAA Wrestling Champion, Recipient of the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, ESPN ESPY Awards and Author
Born with one leg, 2011 NCAA Champion Anthony Robles became an unstoppable force in college wrestling who now shares his strategy for success—a limitless belief in self and the motivation to do things other people wouldn't have thought possible.
Anthony Robles is a three-time all-American wrestler who won the 2010-11 NCAA wrestling championship in the 125-pound weight class despite being born with only one leg. A graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Business Communication, he was also awarded the 2011 NCAA “Best Wrestler of the National Tournament Award”.
Robles is the recipient of the “Jimmy V Perseverance Award” at the 2011 ESPN ESPYs and he has also received the NFL “Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award”. Robles is a Nike athlete, the first signed to an agreement after having retired from active participation in a sport. He is currently ESPN’s NCAA wrestling analyst and expert. He was inducted to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012 and is the author of Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion. In 2013, President Obama appointed Robles as a member of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. Additionally, Robles was a member of the Presidential Delegation to the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Games.
In 2015, the National Wrestling Media Association awarded Robles with the “Broadcaster of the Year” award, and he was inducted into Arizona’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. Between 2018 – 2021, he became the Guinness World Record Holder for 3 different pull-up records. In 2022, Robles was inducted into ASU’s Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame.
As a testament to the extraordinary nature of his life story, principal photography for a film based on Robles’ life was completed in January 2024. Produced by Artist Equity and set to be distributed by Amazon Prime MGM, the film titled “Unstoppable,” features an ensemble cast including Don Cheadle, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Pena, and Jennifer Lopez.
Anthony Robles on Finding Motivation Through Overcoming Adversity
Anthony Robles on Building Resilience by Embracing Challenges
Anthony Robles on Wrestling Through Failure
Anthony Robles on The Meaning of Unstoppable
Anthony Robles’ inspiring story of determination and perseverance
Behind the Scenes with Anthony Robles
Anthony Robles’ Speech Topics
My Story: Unstoppable
Anthony Robles—who was born without a right leg—never let his disability stop him from achieving his dreams. With unrelenting determination—and the belief that he could do anything—he defied all odds, and became a champion wrestler competing against able-bodied athletes. NCAA Division I Champion, three-time All-American and recipient of the 2011 ESPY Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, Robles inspires others to believe that they too can overcome any odds stacked against them. In this moving and awe-inspiring presentation, Robles illustrates how perseverance, hard work and a strong belief in yourself can lead anyone to success—and make you unstoppable.
What other organizations say about Anthony Robles
First, Anthony Robles showed up at the arena as planned with an ambitious smile, which was a great first impression. However, it was the impression Anthony left over the next 6 hours that will last for a very long time with our staff, graduates, and their families/friends that were in attendance. Anthony was gracious and very kind to all those he interacted with, and this is a testament to his humility and genuine care for others. Anthony was by far the easiest, most approachable and accommodating speaker we have ever used. His speech was not only appropriate for the occasion, but it inspired and motivated many who needed a message like his at this time in their lives. Anthony was purely the best speaker we have used. I not only highly recommend his services, but will be working with the more than 20 campuses in my region to look at Anthony as a speaker in the future.
Universities & Colleges
What other organizations say about Anthony Robles
Anthony Robles was BEYOND AMAZING! The crowd LOVED him! The staff thought he was absolutely stellar!
Universities & Colleges
What other organizations say about Anthony Robles
“The part of the program that had the biggest impact one me was definitely Anthony Robles coming, because he taught everyone here to stay strong in what you are working for and don’t give up on your dreams.” – Mylie “Anthony Robles was very inspiring. His great story of strength, courage and the Beating all odds was so epic that I will probably remember it for the rest of my life.” – Esai “I’ve learned to never give up, no matter how hard it seems, from Anthony Robles.” – Ellen
Education Programs
What other organizations say about Anthony Robles
Anthony Robles’ presentation could not be any better! He is a wonderful young man with a remarkable story. He was very well received by both students and adults. He is genuine and sincere, and his powerful message of believing in oneself resonated with all in attendance. We all look forward to his continued success.
Education Programs
What other organizations say about Anthony Robles
Wow! Anthony Robles was terrific. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed his presentation and hearing his inspiring story. He really set the tone for our event, and going forward we will leverage his mantra “unstoppable”. While Anthony was certainly a great wrestler, he is an even better person.
Health Care
What other organizations say about Anthony Robles
Anthony Robles was a huge success. He did a fabulous job with the high school presentation as well as our main event. He is a remarkable young man and we thoroughly enjoyed him.
Non-Profit
What other organizations say about Anthony Robles
Anthony Robles was amazing! From the dinner on Wednesday through today at St. Christopher’s Anthony Robles was humble, sincere, and spent extra time with several folks at all events. His message was powerful and from the heart. He impacted many lives with his faith, focus and challenge to people to live their dreams and trust that God has a plan for them.
Fraternal/Membership Organization
What other organizations say about Anthony Robles
Who wouldn’t love Anthony Robles? He created fans and he created fans for our League. When I read his story, I knew he was a wrestler and I knew we were an organization of women. Yet, his story to me was about how we all wrestle with life. He sent that message loud and clear. There were several student athletes in attendance, and I loved the part when he spoke directly to them. That was so meaningful.
Fraternal/Membership Organization
What other organizations say about Anthony Robles
Please extend our sincere appreciation to Anthony Robles for providing the perfect kick off to our Conference. His inspiring presentation was the start of an amazing event for us. There were a lot of high five’s throughout the conference where people were saying, “hey, we’re unstoppable!” He is an incredible person as well as an amazing athlete.
