RIP Jeff Blatnick

[holy bull]

Jeff Blatnick, 1984 Olympic gold medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling, died today of cardiopulmonary arrest. He was 55.

He lived in Ballston Lake NY with his wife and two kids. All-around great guy much beloved in the community. A legendary figure who wasn't treated like one, because he didn't act like one.

 

[Smallpotatoes]

His gold medal victory in 1984 was my favorite moment of those games.

He was also one of the people who helped develop MMA rules.

 

[holy bull]

Apologies for not supplying a link.

I was under the mistaken belief that it was behind our pay wall.

http://bit.ly/Tgufjm

 

[holy bull]

Here's a photo gallery:

http://bit.ly/UDKitw

 

[Mark2010]

I don't follow wrestling and I even recognized that name.

 

[HanSenSE]

RIP.

New and improved link: http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2012/oct/25/olympic-wrestling-champion-jeff-blatnick-dies/

 

[Azrael]

Rest.

www.nytimes.com/2012/10/25/sports/jeff-blatnick-gold-medal-winner-in-wrestling-dies-at-55.html?hpw

 

[YankeeFan]

I can't find a picture, but Blatnick carried our flag in the closing ceremonies.

While most flag bearers wear a harness to help hold the flag, Blatnick held it aloft with one arm like it was a twig.

It was such a great scene, and great story. RIP.

 

[Mizzougrad96]

I interviewed him in 1999 for a series we were doing on the best Olympic champions of the century. Just a great, great guy, and an amazing, inspiring story.

Earlier this year, my company brought him in as a inspirational speaker. I talked to him afterwards and he remembered the article, which stunned the heck out of me. I saw him again at another conference less than a month ago. He seemed fine.

Big guy, but seemed healthy as can be.

Very sad... RIP...

 

[Football_Bat]

Whew. For a minute I thought that said Jamie Blatnick.

 

[cjericho]

RIP. One of the best Olympic stories, also a very good commentator.

 

[Drip]

RIP to an outstanding wrestling talent and a true Olympian.