In high school, I heard a story about Ben Askren from a cross country teammate of mine who also wrestled.

Apparently, this dude from Hartland with a big Afro -- who used an unorthodox style he called "funk" -- posted on wrestling message boards the exact time in the match and place on the mat where he'd pin his opponent.

And then he'd go out in do exactly that.

And this wasn't just in run-of-the-mill matches. This was in championships.

G.J. McCarthy photo courtesy of www.showmenews.com 

According to this Journal Sentinel article, he's fresh off two undefeated seasons in college and guarantying a gold medal at this year's Olympics.

"I definitely am the overwhelming favorite (for the trials)," he said. "In my mind, nothing can keep me from winning."

That's awesome. 

Writer Gary D'Amato said it well: "With his flair for the dramatic and his flamboyant personality, he's the kind of athlete Americans love to watch."

Meanwhile, America's highest profile distance runner at the Olympics will be Ryan Hall, a clean-cut devout Christian you could bring home to mom.

That's good for him, but it would be pretty cool if there was another rebel like Steve Prefontaine who would emerge from the ranks. Running could use a Ben Askren character on the world stage. Maybe it's time for me to grow my hair long again and get a hell of a lot faster.