Kamal Bey has only one thing on his mind – that shining gold medal. The 26-year-old Greco-Roman wrestler has done everything in his power to become the best in the world and be in the Olympics. From consistent work to immense focus, Bey has never withered from his path. But more importantly, he wasn’t ever afraid of making tough decisions – like for instance his decision to change coaches.

As the man nicknamed “The Human Highlight Reel” starts his journey for gold, there’s a ton of support behind him. It isn’t uncommon for athletes to credit their coaching staff for their success. In the case of Kamal Bey, he always knew that coaching was of utmost importance. That was the reason why he decided to leave his home at the age of 17. But before that, it’s important to understand the beginnings of Bey’s great story.

Where did Kamal Bey start his wrestling career?

Kamal Bey’s wrestling career began quite early. His interest in the sport was almost instant and his athleticism continuously impressed coaches. Initially a student of Oak Park and River Forest High School in Oak Park, Illinois, Bey was a star right from his high school days. How big? One can understand his trophy cabinet during his time in OPRF.

Kamal Bey was a three-time All-American and a USAW Greco-Roman national champion. His love for the sport came from a simple reason – he loved throwing people. “I started to love Greco when I was about three years old and my coach taught me the lateral drop,” Bey said. “Ever since then I just loved launching people.” However, despite turning into a formidable wrestler, Bey knew he could do more. 

But more than him, it was coach Greg Lindland who understood the young Bey’s potential. As a result, he made the wrestler an offer he couldn’t refuse. It was a chance at glory, it was a chance at the Olympics. As a result, in 2015 Bey made a tough decision – he was going to leave his home.

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Coach Herb House takes pride in pupil Kamal Bey’s grit 

Lindland looked at Kamal Bey’s practice in 2015 and then posed a surprising question. “How do you feel about coming to the OTC right now?” Lindland asked Bey. After much deliberation, Bey realized that training in the Olympics Training Center in Colorado Springs was better for his career. So he moved to join the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program and that set the wheels spinning for his 2024 Olympics debut. With such a dedication, it isn’t surprising that Bey has impressed nearly all of his coaches.

While Greg Lindland was the first one to discover his greatness, others have started believing too. Case in point, the current national Greco-Roman coach Herb House. “He strives to be the best,” said House about Bey. “He’s very explosive, so overseas everyone is locked in whenever he wrestles.” House was clearly extremely impressed by the young man. But more importantly, he saw in his hopes for America winning a Greco-Roman gold.

So could Kamal Bey live up to his coach’s belief? That is a big question. However, whatever the case at least one thing can be guaranteed. There will be a bunch of highlight reel-worthy moments from his matchups.