Champions aren’t born—they’re built through discipline and hard work!
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.

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

Ken Chertow wrestling on the mats in Rec Hall at Penn State.

Early Wrestling Success

In the 5th grade Ken's mom introduced him wrestling. After 5 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

Ken Chertow's Team USA Olympic Wrestling team in front of Olympic rings.

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

Kerry McCoy Wrestling on the mats at Penn State.

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

Ken Chertow training wrestlers on the mats at the Blair Convention Center in Altoona, PA.

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

Ken Chertow and Anthony Robles commentating for the Pac12 wrestling championship.

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

Head coach Ken Chertow teaching wrestling technique to kids at summer camp.

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.