AUSTRALIA'S MOST SUCCESSFUL WRESTLING COACH
tells his story
oam
sam parker
1931-2023
The man.
The legend.
War hero's son.
Yarraville larrikin.
Slaughterman.
Olympian.
Wrestling coach.
OAM.
From his early days as the son of a war hero, Yarraville larrikin and slaughterman, Sam Parker rose to become an Olympian and the greatest wrestling coach in Australian history and recipient of the Order of Australia medal.
His legacy.
A rough and ready character, Parker has contributed significantly to shaping the industry and nature of the sport for Australia on an Olympic level.
His affiliations and the success of wrestlers training under his wing have helped broaden the horizons of Australian wrestlers on an international level.
With eleven Olympic Games and six Commonwealth Games under his belt, Sam Parker is an icon of wrestling - not only in Australia but across the world.
He was always quick with a joke
[or a can of Fosters!], yet as fiery as
they come when it came to defending
and coaching his wrestlers.
Our sport is better because of this
man; he is an international relations
genius that made everyone he met
feel like a long-lost friend.
I am proud to know him
and call him my friend.
RICH BENDER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, USA WRESTLING
When I think of Australian wrestling,
I think ot two main characters -
Zsig Kelevitz, who took sixth in the
world games, and coach Sam Parker.
I came to love and appreciate
Australia mainly due to Sam's efforts.
Thank you, Sam, for all you've done for
the greatest and oldest sport on earth.
MARK SCHULTZ
USA OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST 1984
WORLD CHAMPION 1985
WORLD CHAMPION 1987
Sam had an unshakable belief that
Australian wrestlers, given proper
training, could win at world level.
A commited believer is
absolutely mandatory in the sport
of wrestling and Sammy Parker
definitely filled this slot!
MIKE JONES
COACH
SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY, CANADA
His book.
Sam Parker - 'the highs and lows' is a story of many memories and defining moments.
In his book, he shares his life experiences, trials and defining moments as though you are with him in his travels and in the competition bouts.
The sweat, grit and truth in these pages reveal the heart of a man whose determination and single mindedness helped put Australian wrestlers on the international map.
Parker reveals his growth in his development and understanding as a coach, and as a man, with great storytelling and emotional insight. It is a soulful, inspiring story portraying the raw realities of Sam's journey with humility and humour.
'He's the one that breaks the rules. He's a pioneer. He's the one who tells you what needs to happen.'
AUSTRALIAN WRESTLER, LISA RISTEVSKA: FOREWORD, SAM PARKER 'THE HIGHS AND LOWS'
Store.
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