Hi! If you don’t know me yet, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ellis Coleman. I am now the 2012 Olympian at 60 kgs in Greco-Roman wrestling for the United States. It sounds pretty cool, but my road to get here has not always been easy.
I started wrestling at 10 years old. Back then I lived in a rough neighborhood of Chicago. The future was not always bright for many of my old friends. Mine would be just like theirs unless something changed. What changed was that I found a passion in life. I found a passion for wrestling and become part of a team that needed me for all the great things I had to offer.
This is my High School coach Mike Powell, which is an understatement. Mike Powell has been with me since I started wrestling at 10 years old. Since then, he hasn’t allowed me to slip off track either in my wrestling or in my development as a person. He has been a father figure to me. My mother raised us on her own, another obstacle that we’ve faced as a family with courage. Mike Powell has been there, as close to our family as anyone in our lives.
The victory at the the Olympic Team Trials was more than just a win to me. It was proof that doing the right things has paid off. The relationships that I have require just as much effort to be healthy and happy as the effort I commit to my wrestling. And it is because of these relationships that my wrestling has reached the highest level. I have gotten back many times over what I have put into them.
It’s exciting going to the Olympic Games. It is a lifelong dream of mine. I am thrilled to be who I am and where I am. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to represent the country I love. My life is going the way I hoped and dreamed, with all of my friends, family, and supporters near me, cheering me on. I can not thank everyone enough. If you are here it’s because you are my fan, or because you want to be a fan of mine. I humble myself before you, your belief in me helps me to believe in myself.
This is my girlfriend, Helen Maroulis, she narrowly missed qualifying for the Olympic Games. She finished second at the Olympic Team Trials. Because of this she will not be taken to London with the United States team. I am helping her find the means to go. I will need her help to win the gold in London.
This is my mother, I can’t imagine wrestling without her support. She has been there for me when I needed her most. Again, I will need her help in London, and I will find her the means to go.
This is my story. I need YOU to cheer for me. I need your support to win the Gold in London 2012. This is why we are accepting contributions. We want YOU to be a part of it. When I wrestle and win, I am doing it for all my fans. I will not forget your contributions in helping me reach my dreams.
If you don’t have the means to contribute at this time, please voice your support. Every good word helps!
Congratulations on your selection for the US Olympic team, it’s a testament to all of the hard work and sacrifices that you’ve made and I wish you the best in whatever you do and wherever you go. You are an inspiration to all of the young athletes of the world, and your work and spirit reflect great credit upon yourself, your family, your coaches and your team mates…
Dear Ellis,
I’m not (or haven’t been) a fan of yours, in fact didn’t know you, but just saw a report on CBS featuring your qualification for the London Olympics, and the development you’ve taken in your life. I wanted to congratulate you for what you have achieved, starting from difficult circumstances, dedicating time, effort and sacrifice to change your life and achieve your goals. You can be proud of that, and I am sure you are an inspiration for a lot of other kids that are born into a challenging family or neighborhood. May your ultimate dream come true, I wish you all the best for Gold at the Games in London, and hopefully our donations will help your loved ones to come along, support and cheer you on your road to victory!
All the best! Mark
Ellis Coleman you are by far one of the most inspirational athletes I know. I’ve never seen anyone work as hard as you, and do the things you do from day to day. I have faith in you, as does everyone else back home supporting you. Get after it in London Ellis, I’m praying for you!
Ellis,
We are friends of Helen’s from WI. It was great watching you at the Trials. I feel like we already know you. My son, Darius, and I were wondering if you have any t-shirts available to help support you in raising funds for London.
Keep the faith and God Bless! Dawn
Check with opwrestling@gmail.com – this may help finding info about t-shirts because I know there are t-shirts available for purchase!!
Ellis:
Congratulations on all your successes on and off the mat. You’re making all of the Oak Park and Huskie community very very proud. Keep up the good work and represent your country with pride at the Olympics.
Ellis, keep up the good work bro! Just a few more months of work to reach your Gold!
Ellis whats good lil bro . I want to tell you that I am proud of you and the work u put in to b the best. Keep God in your life and he will make you king of the mat. So I will leave you with this kill or b killed. RedMan.
I am thrilled to follow your immense success, Ellis. Your hard work and dedication help to cement the legitimacy of the best high school wrestling program in the country. As you reach for the stars, always remember that there are thousands (and millions) of people in support of you. Huskie (and American) pride!
We met you today at the il Greco State in New Lenox. We were happy you were there and we were able to buy your t-shirts to help support your goals! Congratulations to you for all your accomplishments and also to your mother for raising such a great role model for my sons. We will be cheering you on in Oswego IL.
Ellis, you have made many people proud and give many people a reason to talk wrestling. You have also made a very positive impact on the sport and on those that love the sport. I’m extremely proud to see that your dreams are coming true! But, there is still some unfinished business in London!
Ellis, your Aunt Nancy is a friend of mine from work and one of your biggest fans. She boasts about you all the time, and has made you a celebrity at her job. There are many friends of hers who will be cheering you on this summer. I wish you much luck at the games!
Ellis C…it was truly inspiring reading the profile above… good luck with everything, and represent bro…Not just for the CHI (my hometown as well),…. but for our GREAT COUNTRY….the U.S.A.
Ellis, I remember when we used to go to Brooks Middle school together man, and now i look at you and you are about to go to the olympics! Congrats bro, way to put on for the city!
Ellis you are an inspriation to us all! I have been so lucky to watch you on your journey. I can’t wait to see you get the gold!