Clinch Gear athlete Jake Varner makes his run towards Olympic Gold in London!

Clinch Gear athlete Jake Varner is in London and primed to make a run for Olympic Gold. The 6’ 1”, 96KG Freestyle wrestler is widely considered a serious medal threat at this year’s Olympic Games by wrestling media outlets. Varner secured his spot on the U.S. Olympic team by winning the best-of-three championship match against four time All American and two time NCAA champion Tommy Rowlands at the U.S. Olympics trials in Iowa City (pictured above).

Varner began his wrestling career at the age of five, with his father Steve having coached at the high school Varner would eventually attend (Bakersfield High). In high school Varner amassed a record of 159-10 with 132 falls and was a two time California State Champion. Varner is the only wrestler in California history to pin all six opponents in a state tournament. Recruited by the legendary wrestler Cael Sanderson for Iowa State, Varner continued to improve and amassed an NCAA collegiate wrestling record of 121-10 and finished his senior year undefeated at 31-0 on his way to an NCAA National Championship. In 2009 while still in college Varner made his first World Team which began his international wrestling career which has flourished and led him to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. Clinch Gear is a proud support of Jake Varner and wishes him all the best in his quest for gold!

Amateur Wrestling Achievements:
2012 Olympic Trials Champion
2012 Ivan Yarygin Memorial International Bronze Winner
2011 Pan American Games Champion
2011 World Championships Bronze Winner
2011 U.S. World Team Trials Champion
2011 U.S. Open Champion
2009 U.S. World Team Trials Champion
Four-Time NCAA Division One All American
Four-Time NCAA Division One Finalist, (twice at 184, twice at 197)
Two Time NCAA Division One Champion (Junior and Senior Year)
Two Time California State Wrestling Champion for Bakersfield High School