Kurt Angle Discusses Olympic Gold Medal, Why He’s Taking Time Off

Former WWE and current TNA superstar Kurt Angle recently sat down with the Belleville News-Democrat to promote his throwing out of the first pitch of a recent Gateway Grizzlies minor league baseball game. He discussed a number of topics, including his greatest achievement as an athlete, why he’s taking a year away from the ring, and more.

Below are some highlights from the interview:

On his greatest achievement as an athlete:

“I get asked that question quite often. What was the single greatest achievement of my career? Was it winning the WWE title? Was it winning the TNA heavyweight championship? No, it was winning the Olympic Gold medal. It defined my career. It defined my life,” Angle said. “Aside from being a dad four times with a fifth one on the way, it’s the highlight.”

On winning a gold medal at the olympic games:

“What really stands out to me was that I was able to win the gold medal in the United States — the greatest nation on earth,” Angle said. “To be able win it in front of our fans was indescribable. It was a great advantage for all of us to be able to compete at home.”

On why he’s taking time away from the ring for a year:

“Wrestling professionally is a great life, but it’s also a very grueling and demanding lifestyle we as wrestlers go through,” Angle said. “I mean we’re on the road constantly, doing between 250 to 300 shows each year. Hitting the mat as much as we do, it takes its toll on us physically.

“That’s why I said, I’m taking this year off to let my body rest and heal.”

You can find the entire interview at this link.

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