USA Olympian & Elite Coach
Ken Chertow – A Legacy of Excellence in Wrestling
Ken Chertow is a U.S. Olympian, 3x NCAA All-American, and renowned coach. Ken has dedicated his life to shaping champion wrestlers. From competing on the world’s biggest stages to mentoring thousands of wrestlers, his Gold Medal Training Camps continue to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Ken Chertow’s Achievements
From an Olympic and NCAA career to coaching champions at all levels, Ken Chertow has left an indelible mark on the sport of wrestling. Here’s a look at his key achievements in competition and coaching.
|
Personal Achievements |
| U.S.A. Olympian – Seoul Olympics |
| 3x NCAA All-American |
| 3x Academic All-American |
| 2x Junior World Champion |
| Maccabi Games Gold Medalist |
| Olympic Festival Champion |
| Midlands Champion & Outstanding Wrestler |
| Featured Clinician at 2008 Olympic Trials, NCAA Coaches Clinic, NWCA National Convention, & World Team Trials |
| State Coaches Association Clinics in PA, NJ, NY, WI, MI, OR, and more |
| Big Ten Network & CBS College Sports Expert Analyst |
| Voted Broadcaster of the Year by National Wrestling Media Association |
|
Coaching Achievements |
| College Coaching – Penn State |
| College Coaching – Ohio State |
| National Dual Meet Champions – Penn State |
| 2nd Place NCAA Championships – Penn State |
| 3rd Place National Dual Meet Championship – Ohio State |
| 4th & 5th Place NCAA Championships – Ohio State |
| Founder of Gold Medal Training Camp System |
| Youth & High School Coaching |
| Over 200 USAW, NHSCA & AAU National Champions in the past 10 years |
| Tulsa National Team Championship |
| Wrestling USA National Championship |
| Coached 1000+ High School State Champions in the past 25 years |
Timeline of Accomplishments
Coach Ken Chertow has excelled at every level of wrestling, both as a competitor and as a coach. His journey began at age 11 and took him all the way to the Olympics. Today he is the head coach of the longest-running wrestling camp system in the nation.
1980s
Wrestling Beginnings
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Early Wrestling Success
In the 5th grade Ken's mom introduced him wrestling. After 7 years of consistent training and summer camps, Ken became a 2x undefeated state champion. He won 2 Outstanding Wrestler Awards in high school, culminating in Junior National titles in both freestyle and Greco. Ken won 2 Junior World Championships and the foundation was set for pursuit of Olympic Gold.
1985–1989
NCAA & Olympics
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College & Olympic Career
At Penn State University, Ken took his skills to the next level, becoming a three-time NCAA All-American, Pan American Champion, and a U.S. Olympian. Off the mat, he excelled academically, earning three Academic All-American honors and graduating with a 3.6 GPA.
1990s
Coaching Begins
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Building Champions
Ken’s coaching career began while he was still competing, running summer camps that would later evolve into the Gold Medal Training Camp System. His coaching tenure at Ohio State and Penn State helped shape powerhouse programs, with Ohio State achieving its highest NCAA finishes at the time (4th and 5th place) and Penn State securing a National Dual Meet Championship and an NCAA runner-up finish—their best in nearly 50 years.
2000s
Gold Medal Camps
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Training Future Stars
Now, Ken’s focus is entirely on mentoring and developing the next generation of champions. His Gold Medal Training Camps are recognized as some of the most successful wrestling camps in the nation, helping athletes refine their technique, build mental toughness, and reach their full potential. Thousands of his wrestlers have gone on to win State and National Championships. 10+ have made it to the Olympics, including Zain Retherford, a key coach at camp.
2010s
Expanding Reach
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Clinician & Broadcaster
Ken shares his expertise as a broadcast analyst for the Pac-12 Network and Big Ten Network (BTN), leads clinics across the country, and has authored ‘Wrestling: A Commitment to Excellence,’ a motivational guide to success in wrestling and life.
Present
Leading Today
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Coaching & Mentorship
Ken continues to train and mentor wrestlers through his Gold Medal Training Camps and clinics nationwide.
Olympian
Ken Chertow's Gallery
Relive the intensity, passion, and success of Gold Medal Training Camp. Browse moments from training sessions, competitions, and behind-the-scenes action.
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