CHULA VISTA, Calif. - Rulon Gardner, Olympic Gold and Bronze medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling, will be at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista on Thursday, January 12, 2005 to sign his new book, "Never Stop Pushing" from noon until 2:00 p.m.   

The signing will be held at the Copley Visitor Center, 2800 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista, Calif.  

At the 2000 Summer Olympic Games, Rulon, the determined Wyoming farm boy, defeated the greatest Olympic wrestler of all time in "The Miracle on the Mat." Four years later, after a near fatal accident in the frozen Wyoming wilderness, a tearful Rulon Gardner touched the hearts of sports fans everywhere when he left his shoes on the mat, symbolizing his retirement after winning Olympic Bronze. 

A modern-day Paul Bunyan, Rulon Gardner grew up on a dairy farm, where unceasing chores helped him develop tremendous strength and stamina at an early age. He struggled in school due to learning disabilities and was often the butt of classmates' jokes. Yet Gardner found success in wrestling, which allowed him to pursue his college degree and instilled in him the confidence and drive that took him to the center of world sport. Behind one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history is Gardner's moving tale of obstacles overcome by his indefatigable will to succeed. 

 "Never Stop Pushing" is Rulon Gardner's first book. It was formally released September 6, 2005 by Avalon Publishing. The book was co-written with Bob Schaller of Colorado Springs, the author of thirty books including "The State of the Game" with Denny Crum, "The First Black Quarterback" with Marlin Briscoe and "The Top Stars of NASCAR." 

Currently, Rulon gives motivational speeches for corporations, charities and schools across the country, and makes frequent appearances at wrestling camps throughout the country. In 2005, he was honored at the Gene Autry Courage Awards in Phoenix as an athlete who has overcome physical adversity to succeed, and by ESPN as an ESPY nominee for "Best Comeback."

 For additional information about Rulon Gardner 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, Senior Publicist at Avalon Publishing at (646)-375-1067 or Wendie.carr@avalonpub.com