Olympic champion and two-time NCAA champion wrestler, known for his dominance in the 1940s and 1950s.
Henry Wittenberg is renowned for being the first American wrestler since 1908 to win two Olympic medals in freestyle wrestling, a feat he achieved in both the 1948 and 1952 Olympic Games. Throughout his illustrious career, Wittenberg not only excelled in wrestling but also served as a decorated police officer, coach, and competitor.
Born on September 18, 1918, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Wittenberg's early life was marked by a passion for swimming and chess. He captained his high school chess team, leading it to a New Jersey county championship. It was only in college that he discovered his true calling – wrestling.
At City College of New York, Wittenberg was introduced to the sport by coach Joe Sapora, and he quickly took to it. By his junior year, he was placing in prestigious college tournaments. In 1939, the year he graduated with a degree in education, he was the cocaptain of the CCNY wrestling team, alongside Stanley Graze.
Wittenberg's wrestling career was marked by several notable achievements. He was the runner-up at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 174-pound championship in 1939. In the twelve years between 1938 and 1952, he entered eight National AAU freestyle tournaments and won eight non-consecutive championships.
What set Wittenberg apart from his contemporaries was his innovative approach to training. Unlike many wrestlers of his era, he effectively used weightlifting to increase his strength during his career, despite it being counter to the advice of many coaches.
During World War II, Wittenberg served in the Army, working as a hand-to-hand combat instructor. After the war, he joined the New York City Police Department, serving with commendations until around 1954.
Wittenberg's impact on wrestling extended beyond his competitive career. He worked as an instructor and college wrestling coach at Yeshiva and then City College of New York from 1967 to 1979. He also coached and helped organize the Maccabiah Games, a quadrennial international Jewish athletic event. In 1968, he served as an American Olympic coach at the Mexico City Olympics.
Throughout his career, Wittenberg received numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1977 and the New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2002, he was awarded the Order of Ikkos, the highest honor given by the National Wrestling Coaches Association.
Henry Wittenberg's remarkable life was a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and innovative spirit. As a champion wrestler, decorated police officer, and devoted coach, he left an indelible mark on the world of wrestling and beyond.
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