National Coach Terry Steiner, George Gray, Adeline Gray and Executive Director Rich Bender pose with Adeline's Living the Dream Medal Fund check. Larry Slater photo

2011 World bronze medalist Adeline Gray (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) received her $15,000 Living the Dream Medal Fund bonus check in a presentation prior to the women’s freestyle finals at the 2012 Dave Schultz Memorial International in Colorado Springs, Colo. on February 2.

Gray was presented with the check by USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender and National Women’s Coach Terry Steiner. Her father George Gray was also there for the presentation.

Gray was honored in her home state of Colorado. In addition to living and training here at the Olympic Training Center, she is a proud native of the Denver, Colorado area. She was a graduate of Bear Creek High School.

At the 2011 Senior World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, Gray won a bronze medal at 67 kg/147.5 lbs. for Women’s Team USA.

“It was really awesome. The Worlds this year was a good tournament for me and I won a bronze medal. It is nice to be recognized. My dad got to come down and see me receive the award. It is nice to have the hometown people here for that celebration,” said Gray.

In 2009, leaders in the wrestling community established The Living The Dream Medal Fund, to substantially increase the financial rewards for U.S. wrestlers who win Olympic and World medals for the United States.

Funding for this special fund comes from these stewards, as well as from donations from wrestling supporters from around the nation.

For the World Championships, medalists receive $50,000 for a gold, $25,000 for a silver and $15,000 for a bronze.

This summer at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England, gold medalists will receive a quarter-million dollars ($250,000). Silver medalists in London will earn $50,000 and bronze medalists in London will receive $25,000.

“I feel so blessed to have this kind of fund for wrestling. I want to say thank you to everyone who puts the effort into making that dream happen,” said Gray.

VIDEO: Adeline Gray talks about Living the Dream Medal Fund

Earlier this season, special check presentations were made for two other 2011 World medalists for the United States. 

2011 World bronze medalist Jake Varner received his $15,000 Living the Dream Medal Fund check during the intermission at the sold-out Minnesota vs. Penn State dual meet in State College, Pa. on November 20.

2001 World champion Jordan Burroughs received his $50,000 Living the Dream Medal Fund check during the intermission at the Iowa vs. Nebraska dual meet in Lincoln, Neb. on January 14.

The check ceremony for 2011 World bronze medalist Ali Bernard will be held at a location and date to be determined.

Wrestling supporters are encouraged to “Join the List” and make a donation to the Living the Dream Medal Fund. Hundreds of wrestling fans from around the nation have contributed to this worthy program. For more information, visit the official website at:
Living the Dream Medal Fund website