USA OLYMPIAN

HEAD COACH KEN CHERTOW

Ken Chertow is an Olympian and NCAA All-American dedicated to helping wrestlers unlock their full potential. With decades of coaching experience, he has trained thousands of athletes, building champions through proven techniques, discipline, and hands-on mentorship.

✔️ Olympian & 3x NCAA All-American
✔️ Founder of Gold Medal Training Camps
✔️ Trained Thousands of Wrestlers Nationwide
✔️ Dedicated to Developing Future Champions

USA OLYMPIAN

Zain Retherford

Zain Retherford is a U.S. Olympic wrestler and one of the most respected names in American wrestling. He began training with Coach Ken Chertow in 2004 at just 9 years old. Over the years, he attended various Gold Medal Training Camps and they provided a high-level training environment that matched his dedication and potential.

Now, as an Olympian, 3x NCAA champion, and world-class athlete, Zain continues to give back to the sport by working with young wrestlers to help them build the skills and mindset of a champion.

JAPANESE OLYMPIAN

Sanshiro Abe

Sanshiro “Sunny” Abe is one of the most accomplished Japanese wrestlers to compete in the U.S. collegiate system. At Penn State, he was coached by Ken Chertow and his dedication and talent led to him becoming a 4x NCAA All-American and 1996 NCAA Champion. He went undefeated with 29-0 his senior year.

Following his college success, Sanshiro represented Japan in freestyle wrestling at the 1996 Summer Olympics and won gold at the 1995 Asian Games. Today, he continues to give back to the sport by helping young wrestlers refine their skills and grow their love for wrestling.

America's Greatest Pinner

Wade Schalles

Wade Schalles is a 2x NCAA Champion and one of the best, most innovative wrestlers the sport has ever seen. Competing for Clarion University, he finished his career with an astonishing 153–5–1 record, including 106 pins, and was named Outstanding Wrestler at both the NCAA Division I and II Championships in 1972.

Known for inventing the legendary “spladle” and other new pinning techniques, Wade still holds the Guinness World Record for most career pins (530) and victories (821). His relentless dedication and unmatched creativity have influenced generations of wrestlers, and his legacy as a pioneer of aggressive, pin-focused wrestling continues to grow.