Lee Kemp is one of the greatest wrestlers in American history. Before a legendary college and international career, he found wrestling as a ninth grader in Chardon, Ohio. He won three NCAA titles for Wisconsin (1976-78), reaching the finals four straight years (1975-78). Kemp became the first U.S. wrestler to win three World titles (1978-79, '82) but faced heartache when the United States boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics due to the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan.
Lee Kemp Stayed On Top With A Target On His Back
Nov 29, 2025
Winning came in bunches for three-time NCAA and World champion Lee Kemp, but that doesn't mean it was easy. Kemp remembers the target on his back, Dan Gable's shocking revelation, Kelly Ward refusing to concede, Dave Schultz's quirky personality, and John Smith passing his brother, Lee Roy, in the wrestling room.
