Ben Askren‘s wrestling legacy is being honored in ways that few athletes have ever experienced. As Team USA prepares to pay tribute to him in the 2025 World Championships, people closest to him have expressed their emotions.

Through it all, his wife has been a literal lifeline, never leaving his side until he got better. In a statement to USA Wrestling, Amy Askren, made a highly sincere confession, emphasizing how profoundly this recognition has touched their lives and offering a glimpse into the challenges they’ve overcome together.

Ben Askren’s family touched by Team USA’s gesture

Team USA pays respect to Ben Askren by wearing his initials, “BMA,” on their official U.S. World Team RUDIS singlets at the championships in Zagreb, Croatia. The gesture is being extended across all disciplines, including Greco-Roman, women’s freestyle, and men’s freestyle.

Rich Bender, USA Wrestling’s Executive Director, described the former UFC fighter’s journey as inspiring. He highlighted how Askren’s unconventional wrestling technique and coaching leadership have influenced future generations. “It’s with true wrestling spirit that we place his initials on our 2025 Senior World Team singlets to express our support and recognition of Ben as a warrior in our sport,” Bender said.

The honor being given to the 41-year-old has had a profound impact on his family. Amy Askren reacted to the news on Instagram, calling it “surreal” and thanking everyone for their support. She admitted that, considering Ben’s recent health struggles, she was momentarily afraid the tribute could have been posthumous.

Sharing the post by team US wrestling on her Instagram story, she wrote, “After the events the last few days, I’m so aware that this could be in honor of his memory, but thank God it’s not,” she wrote. “It’s been incredible to witness his fighting spirit through it all. Proud of you, and so thankful for the community that prayed for you.”

‘Funky’ himself was humbled by the outpouring of support. He admitted feeling overwhelmed by the community’s response, sharing that wrestling has always been a passion he poured himself into. “It felt good when the wrestling community gave back to me,” he said, underlining that this honor means more to him than he could have imagined.

Ben Askren’s fight for life began when a staph infection on his elbow spread to his bloodstream, causing serious pneumonia and lung damage. He spent weeks in a coma and was on the transplant list when a donor’s heroic gesture saved his life. Now, his recovery has been lengthy and difficult, but his determination and his family’s support have kept him going. In fact, he recently got emotional as he credited his wife for being the reason he is still alive and breathing.

Ben Askren credits his wife with saving his life

While the tribute has been heartwarming, Ben Askren’s appreciation for his wife goes deeper. In a recent interview, ‘Funky’ broke down as he described how Amy Askren’s determination in seeking medical attention most likely saved his life. “I don’t wanna get emotional, but if it wasn’t for my wife, I probably would’ve died,” he confessed, his voice shaking.

The 41-year-old explained how, upon returning from wrestling tournaments in May, he felt fine initially. However, within hours, his back began to hurt violently, making sleep difficult. Amy began to monitor him and even recorded his troubled breathing at night. Concerned, she confronted him about going to the hospital, despite his resistance.

He recalls arguing with her for 30 minutes before agreeing to go. “I’m not f—— going to the hospital,” he said to her at first, but later gave in after she insisted. The last memory he has is getting into an Uber. ‘Funky’ reflected on her unwavering support throughout the ordeal. “My wife was amazing,” he said, recalling how she saw him almost every day for 70 days while simultaneously caring for their children. His tears welled up as he added, “There’s a decent chance I could’ve died.”

Amy’s presence during this dark chapter not only helped save Askren’s life but also deepened the bond that has carried them through one of their most challenging periods in their lives. The tribute from Team USA now serves as a reminder of not just Ben’s strength but also of a family’s enduring love and the power of persistence in the face of adversity.