Abraham Lincoln was an elite wrestler who lost only one of approximately 300 matches before becoming President.

Abraham Lincoln's wrestling career began in New Salem, Illinois, during the early 1830s. At 6 feet 4 inches tall, he possessed a significant leverage advantage over most opponents, complemented by long limbs and physical strength developed from years of manual labor. His wrestling style, known as 'catch-as-catch-can,' was a precursor to modern freestyle wrestling and allowed for various grappling techniques.The most documented match of his life took place in 1831 against Jack Armstrong, the leader of a local gang known as the Clary's Grove Boys. While accounts of the finish vary, most historians agree that Lincoln's display of strength and fairness during the bout won over the community. This event was pivotal in establishing his local leadership and social standing, which eventually served as a springboard for his political ambitions.In 1832, during the Black Hawk War, Lincoln served as a captain in the Illinois Militia. It was during this service that he suffered his only recorded defeat in a match against Hank Thompson. Despite this single loss, his overall record of roughly 300 victories remains one of the most impressive athletic feats of any American president. In recognition of his skills and the role wrestling played in his life, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame inducted him into the 'Outstanding American' category in 1992.