PHDID YOU KNOW? 
Before he became president, Abraham Lincoln was wrestling champion of his county in Illinois. He fought in nearly 300 matches and lost only one.
Abraham Lincoln is one of the most famous politicians in history, but it is less known that he had an equally impressive wrestling career.
That’s right, before the 16th President of the United States started grappling with political opponents, he was throwing down rivals on the mat.
To some degree it makes sense: ‘Honest Abe’ was tall, strong, and boasted natural athleticism.
As a teenager, when he wasn’t doing agricultural work, the Kentucky native competed in catch-as-catch-can wrestling - also known as catch wrestling - which is a tough, hand-to-hand version of the sport that was included in the Olympic Games St. Louis 1904.
Lincoln went on to study and practice law before entering politics, but continued to wrestle and reportedly amassed 300 victories over 12 years.
His only known defeat came at the hands of Hank Thompson during the Black Hawk War of 1832, where Lincoln was serving with the Illinois Volunteers.
As expected, he took the defeat with grace and congratulated the better man.
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