About Kurt
Kurt Angle
1996 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST - PRO WRESTLER - ACTOR/STUNT COORDINATOR
"My dream was to win an Olympic gold medal."
Kurt Angle is a man who’s chased down every goal with relentless drive—from standing atop the Olympic podium to redefining professional wrestling for a generation. Known for his unmatched intensity, work ethic, and technical skill, Kurt has built a legacy few athletes can rival.
Born December 9, 1968, in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Kurt was the youngest of five children. Influenced by his older brothers, he grew up in a competitive household where wrestling and football became early outlets for his energy and focus. He earned All-State honors as a linebacker and capped his high school wrestling career by winning the 1987 Pennsylvania State Championship.
After losing his father at the age of 16, Kurt leaned harder into discipline and training—a decision that would shape the rest of his life. He attended Clarion University, where he became a two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion and earned a degree in education.
Post-college, Kurt trained at the elite Foxcatcher wrestling club under the legendary Dave Schultz. Schultz’s mentorship helped elevate Kurt’s international wrestling career, culminating in a gold medal at the 1995 FILA World Championships. Tragically, Schultz was killed in early 1996, just months before the Olympics. Kurt honored his mentor’s legacy by continuing to train and compete at the highest level.
Incredibly, during the 1996 Olympic trials, Kurt suffered a serious neck injury—two cracked vertebrae, herniated and bulging discs, and pulled muscles. Against all odds, and with limited medical clearance, he powered through the pain and captured Olympic gold in Atlanta—famously doing so with a “broken freakin’ neck.”
After his Olympic triumph, Kurt’s competitive fire didn’t fade. He transitioned into professional wrestling, debuting in WWE (then WWF) in 1999. With his natural charisma and technical mastery, he quickly became a breakout star and fan favorite. He made history by holding both the WWF and WCW Championships in the same year, among numerous other titles and accolades.
Kurt’s professional wrestling career spanned more than two decades and included celebrated runs with both WWE and TNA (Impact Wrestling). In TNA, he became the first wrestler to hold all three major titles simultaneously and was inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame in 2013. In 2017, WWE honored his legacy with induction into their Hall of Fame as well.
Beyond the ring, Kurt has remained focused on family and new creative pursuits. He has two children, Kyra and Kody, from his first marriage to Karen Smedley, and four children with his wife, Giovanna Yannotti—daughters Giuliana, Sophia, and Nikoletta, and their adopted son Joseph.
In recent years, Kurt has stepped back from wrestling and focused on acting, stunt coordination, and motivational speaking. His story continues to inspire—not just because of what he’s achieved, but because of the commitment, resilience, and integrity he brings to everything he does.
From Olympic champion to wrestling legend, and now to devoted husband, father, and storyteller—Kurt Angle has never stopped pushing forward.
It’s true. It’s damn true.
Career & Awards
Olympic Gold 1996
National Wrestling Hall of Fame
WWE Hall of Fame