Rulon Gardner, Olympic Gold and Bronze medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling, will auction the actual Asics shoes he left on the mat in the Athens Olympic Games. 

The shoes will be listed on EBay, beginning Monday, August 29, 2005 and ending September 6, 2005, at a starting price of $1. Gardner has announced that 50% percent of the auction proceeds will benefit future Olympic heavyweight wrestlers through USA Wrestling. The auction winner will have the shoes personalized by Rulon.

A tearful Rulon Gardner touched the hearts of sports fans everywhere when he left these shoes on the mat in Athens, symbolizing his retirement after winning Olympic Bronze. The image, one of the most powerful of the Games, was honored as a MSNBC "Picture of the Year" and as a Time magazine "Picture of the Year." 

Gardner's retirement signified that he had not only overcome that night in the wilderness where he survived, soaking wet in sub-zero temperatures, after a snowmobile accident, but also the amputation of a toe, the dislocation of a wrist and a motorcycle accident. It also signified the end of a storied career, which gained national attention with his defeat of the "Russian Bear" Alexander Karelin in the "Miracle on the Mat" in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

Rulon tells his life story in his first book, "Never Stop Pushing," which will be released September 6, 2005 by Avalon Publishing Group and was co-written with Bob Schaller. 

Currently, Rulon Gardner gives motivational speeches throughout the country. In addition, this year he was honored at the Gene Autry Courage Awards, by ESPN as an ESPY nominee for "Best Comeback," and by Asics with his signature wrestling shoe, the "Rulon." 

For additional information about Rulon Gardner or this auction please visit www.rulongardner.com or contact Danielle Marquis with Marquis Athletes at (303)-674-1290 or DanielleMarquis@marquisathletes.com. 

For additional information about "Never Stop Pushing," please contact Wendie Carr, Publicity Manager at Avalon Publishing Group at (646)-375-1067 or wendie.carr@avalonpub.com