20 Facts About Henry Wittenberg

Henry Wittenberg was an American New York police officer, coach, competitor and Olympic champion in freestyle wrestling.

Henry Wittenberg won two Olympic medals in freestyle wrestling, becoming the first American wrestler since 1908 to achieve this feat.

Henry Wittenberg captained his high school chess team, leading it to a New Jersey county championship.

Henry Wittenberg took a break from wrestling after the 1948 Olympics, but returned to the sport in 1951 hoping to qualify for the 1952 Olympics.

Henry Wittenberg entered the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, wrestling at the weight class 191.5 pounds.

Henry Wittenberg was undefeated in five straight matches prior to receiving his gold medal.

Henry Wittenberg's coach did not want him to wrestle in the finals, but Wittenberg was stubborn and wrestled anyway, eventually winning the gold medal match.

Henry Wittenberg subsequently took a break from wrestling competition until 1951, when he began training for the 1952 Olympics.

Four years after his first Olympics despite having trained only a year after a long time off, Henry Wittenberg competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki as the returning champion.

Henry Wittenberg again reached the final match, though he lost to Swede Wiking Palm, receiving the silver medal rather than the gold and breaking a long winning streak.

Henry Wittenberg became the first American wrestler since 1908 to earn two Olympic medals.

Henry Wittenberg had a successful professional career outside of competing as an athlete.

Henry Wittenberg earned a master's degree in health education at the Teachers College, Columbia University.

Henry Wittenberg returned to the force after his military service in the 1940s.

Henry Wittenberg was actively involved in the Police Sports Association as well as becoming involved in the establishment of the Maccabiah Games, which are held every four years for Jewish athletes around the world.

Henry Wittenberg coached the collegiate level wrestlers at Yeshiva University from 1959 to 1967 and taught physical education and coached wrestling at his alma mater City College of New York from 1967 to 1979.

Henry Wittenberg died in March 2010 at his home in Somers, New York.

Henry Wittenberg was survived by a daughter, Susan and a son, Michael.

Henry Wittenberg was the first inductee to the CCNY Alumni Varsity Association Hall of Fame, and was elected into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1977.

Henry Wittenberg was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum on March 21,1993, recognizing his gold medal-winning performances at the 1950 Maccabiah Games and the 1953 Maccabiah Games.