“ Climbing for Gold: Rival Coaches Turn Global Adventurers in Pursuit of the Olympic Dream"** *Paris, France*—Five years ago, Jeffersonville's Coach Struck and Floyd Central's Coach Brandon Sisson embarked on a journey that would change their lives and the lives of their athletes forever. Armed with a prestigious Lilly Grant, the two rival wrestling coaches set out to demonstrate the power of unity and sportsmanship by traveling the world together, culminating in a trip to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. But as the world knows, the best-laid plans can be upended by unexpected events. ### The Original Dream Deferred The "Climbing for Gold" project was initially designed to bring their teams closer together by exposing them to different cultures and the highest levels of athletic competition. They were set to climb mountains and witness Olympic history. However, the COVID-19 pandemic had other plans, leading to the cancellation of the Tokyo games and forcing them to defer their dream first to 2021, and then to the 2022 Wrestling World Championships in Russia. But once again, global events intervened, this time in the form of the Ukraine war, making it impossible to travel to Russia. Rather than giving up, Coach Struck and Coach Sisson pivoted. In 2024, they decided to make the journey a family affair, each taking separate European trips with their loved ones before reuniting in Paris to witness the Olympic Games together. ### A Summer of Unparalleled Adventure For Coach Struck, this summer was a whirlwind of activity. His journey began in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and wound its way through Vancouver, Canada, Alaska, Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, before heading east to Fargo, North Dakota, and finally down to Jacksonville, Florida. The final stop before crossing the Atlantic was London, where he spent a week with his wife, Mandy, and her high school best friend, Allison. In London, they explored the city's rich history, visiting landmarks like Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and even the Jack the Ripper Museum. Standing in centuries-old pubs, Coach Struck couldn’t help but marvel at the thought of what conversations might have taken place there—discussions about a round earth or the news of a queen's beheading. It was a vivid reminder of how much the world has changed, yet how certain dreams, like the pursuit of excellence, remain timeless. ### The Paris 2024 Olympics: A Dream Realized The real magic began when Coach Struck and Coach Sisson finally reunited in Paris to witness the Olympics, fulfilling the original dream of their "Climbing for Gold" project. The coaches were thrilled to watch athletes they had long supported, such as Mason Pariss, Sara Hildebrandt, and Kayla Miracle, compete at the highest level. Adding to the excitement was the fact that two other Indiana wrestlers were competing for different countries, making this an even more personal experience. The first day at the Stade de France was nothing short of spectacular. The coaches joined 80,000 fans in a moment of eerie silence before the start of the 100m dash finals, a moment that erupted into thunderous applause as Noah Lyles crossed the finish line. It was a perfect example of the discipline and perseverance that both coaches strive to instill in their athletes back home. On Day 2, the emotional highs continued as they witnessed Sara Hildebrandt advance to the Olympic finals. The pride on the face of her high school coach, Brad Harper, was palpable, as was the joy of her father, an unforgettable moment for everyone present. That same day, they saw Cuban wrestler Mijian Lopez make history by winning his fifth consecutive Olympic gold in wrestling. Coach Struck had a personal connection to this moment, having coached against Lopez at the 2005 University World Games in Turkey, where Lopez had just begun his journey to greatness. The Olympic experience reached its peak when Amit Elor, a young wrestling prodigy, became the youngest Olympic Wrestling Champion in U.S. history at just 20 years old. Coach Struck had met her back in 2019 at the Olympic Training Center, and seeing her fulfill her potential on the world stage was a deeply moving experience. ### Solo Adventures in the American West While Coach Sisson stayed in Europe, Coach Struck continued his journey alone in the American Southwest. After returning from Paris, he embarked on a solo adventure through New Mexico and Colorado, furthering the "Climbing for Gold" theme by literally climbing mountains. In New Mexico, he hiked the Tsankawi Ruins Trail, Atalaya Mountain, and Sun Mountain in Santa Fe, as well as Sandia Peak in Albuquerque. The journey continued in Colorado, where Coach Struck conquered Mt. Sherman, his sixth "14er" (a mountain peak over 14,000 feet). He also visited historic sites like the Governors Palace in Santa Fe, crossed the Rio Grande, and explored the Petroglyph National Monument. The final, grueling hike was "The Incline" in Colorado Springs, a one-mile trail that rises 2,000 feet in elevation. Knowing that many Olympians had trained on this very path made the experience even more meaningful. Reflecting on his physical challenges and the surgeries he’d undergone in recent years, Coach Struck found the climb to be both a test of endurance and a moment of personal triumph. ### Wrapping Up at the Olympic Training Center The adventure concluded at the Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Colorado Springs, where Coach Struck attended the USA Wrestling State Leaders Summit. The summit provided valuable insights into leadership, communication, and the development of women’s wrestling, all of which Coach Struck is eager to bring back to his athletes at Jeffersonville and to the broader wrestling community in Indiana. ### Coming Full Circle As Coach Struck boarded his flight back to Jeffersonville—after a last-minute dash from Colorado Springs to Denver—he couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible journey. From the streets of Paris to the peaks of Colorado, from historic landmarks to Olympic stadiums, this summer was a testament to the power of dreams, perseverance, and the bonds forged through wrestling. The "Climbing for Gold" project, which began as a simple idea to unite rival teams and broaden their horizons, has evolved into something much larger. It’s a story of resilience, of never giving up, and of the belief that through wrestling, one can truly see the world—and make an impact on it. **End of Story**