Introduction
Chris Taylor (Christopher J. Taylor)(June 13, 1950 – June 30, 1979) was an American freestyle wrestler who competed at 1972 Munich Olympics. At 412 pounds (187 kg) he was the heaviest Olympian ever until the appearance of judoka Ricardo Blas, Jr. in 2008. (Weight limits have since been imposed).
Amateur wrestling
The 6 ft 5 in (196 cm) Taylor, wrestled for Dowagiac High School in Dowagiac, Michigan, Muskegon Community College in Muskegon, Michigan, and Iowa State University (winning the NCAA heavyweight championship in 1972 by defeating Greg Wojciechowski), and won the bronze medal at the 1972 Olympics, losing only to Alexander Medved. In the Greco-Roman competition he was suplexed and pinned by Wilfried Dietrich of West Germany.
Professional wrestling
Taylor wrestled professionally in the American Wrestling Association. His début was in 1974 vs Rene Goulet. Taylor faced various wrestlers, among them future star Ric Flair. Taylor, trained by Verne Gagne and Billy Robinson, was being groomed to be a major star. Chronic health problems limited the amount of work he could do, and said problems forced him to retire from the ring in early 1977. He is often seen in video highlights shown at the AWA training camp. Most notably in the WWE DVD releases "the Spectacular Legacy of the AWA" and "the Definitive Ric Flair Collection.
Taylor's finishing move was a variation of the bearhug.
Personal life
Taylor died of cardiovascular complications at his home in Story City, Iowa at the age of 29, two years after health problems caused him to retire from professional wrestling. He is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac, Cass County, Michigan.
Championships and accomplishments
- George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
- Class of 2013