24 Wrestlers Who Died In 2020

One of the finest amateur wrestlers of all time, Danny Hodge, died on 24 December after suffering with dementia for many years. He was 88 years old.

Hodge, born 13 May 1932 in Perry, OK, was an undefeated collegiate wrestler whilst at the University of Oklahoma of such considerable skill that he was never once taken off his feet. He brought home three Big Seven and three NCAA titles. The governing body would later name their Best Wrestler of the Year award for him.

Whilst serving in the US Navy in 1951, Hodge's wrestling exploits became known, and he was coached for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Though he was beaten on that occasion by Soviet David Cimakuridze, Hodge's resolve saw him go again at the 1956 games in Australia, where he picked up the silver medal.

Three years later, Hodge switched from amateur to professional wrestling. Throughout his career in the NWA, he was virtually inseparable from the organisation's Junior Heavyweight Championship, holding it for over ten years. He was such a draw with the belt that when his association with it ended, the division's pulling power virtually collapsed.

Though a major car crash ended Hodge's career in 1976, he was thankful to escape with his life. Even in his latter years, Hodge retained his preternatural strength; he would often showcase his famed ability to crush an apple in one hand during his public appearances.