Ben Askren, a retired professional mixed martial artist and Olympic wrestler, owes much of his success to the support of his parents, Chuck and Michele Askren.
His journey to becoming a two-time NCAA Division I National Champion, a 2008 Olympian, and a former Bellator and ONE Welterweight Champion was shaped significantly by his family’s dedication.
His father, Chuck, was basically the architect of Ben Askren’s career. It was his father, Chuck Askren, who was the initial spark for Ben’s wrestling career, introducing him to the sport at the age of six.
His mother, Michele, although she prefers to stay out of the spotlight, has always been there to support him.
Ben Askren’s Father, Chuck Askren, Introduced Him to Wrestling!
Even though Ben didn’t start taking wrestling seriously until he joined a wrestling club in sixth grade, his dad, Chuck, had the vision to get him started early and set the foundation for his success.
Recognizing the potential in his son, Chuck invested heavily in Ben’s development by building a $5,000 wrestling workout facility in the family’s basement in Hartland, Wisconsin.
He created the space with a half-size mat, scale, stereo system, and sauna, transforming it into a great training spot where Ben could practice and improve his skills from a young age.
Chuck’s support didn’t stop there; when the family relocated to Columbia, Missouri, in 2002, he replicated the setup to support Ben’s collegiate career at the University of Missouri.
Ben’s father, Chuck, helped him in more ways than just building training facilities. He paid for many trips so Ben and his mentor, Dale Borchard, could compete in tournaments across the country, giving Ben the chance to face tough opponents and improve.
Chuck also turned family vacations into chances to attend wrestling tournaments, making the sport a big part of their daily lives.
Eventually, Chuck and Michele’s dedication and sacrifices paid off as Ben became a dominant force, winning two NCAA titles and earning a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic team.
Ben Askren Acknowledges His Parents’ Sacrifices That Fueled His Career
The retired UFC fighter turned coach, Ben Askren, has openly credited his parents for the sacrifices they made to propel his career.
In a 2023 interview with Dad Saves America, Ben talked about how many athletes struggle financially and credited his parents for helping him succeed by making his training a priority, even over their comforts.
He mentioned their sacrifices, like setting up a workout space in the basement and covering travel costs, which helped him avoid financial struggles later on.
Another notable acknowledgment came during his 2012 induction into the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame.
In his acceptance speech, he thanked his parents for the time and money they invested in his wrestling career, saying their support gave him the confidence to achieve his goals.
Additionally, after his participation in the 2008 Olympics, Ben publicly expressed gratitude to Chuck and Michele for supporting his transition to freestyle wrestling.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Ben Askren has recently been hospitalized and has been diagnosed with “severe pneumonia.”
- Retired MMA star Ben Askren married Amy Askren, a licensed realtor at Firefly Real Estate in Wisconsin, on April 9, 2010. The couple has three children: two daughters, Alex and Andy, and a son, Ozzi.
- Ben Askren has a brother named Max Askren, who had a notable wrestling career, winning an NCAA Division I National Championship in 2010 while competing for the University of Missouri.
