WALES, Wis. — Hundreds gathered at Kettle Moraine High School for an outdoor wrestling event to raise funds for Ben Askren, the Olympic wrestler and coach who recently underwent a double lung transplant and is now battling an infection.
READ ALSO: Former Olympic wrestler and MMA star Ben Askren recovering from double lung transplant
The Hartland native, who became a star wrestler before competing in the 2008 Olympics and later in MMA and UFC, has touched countless lives in the wrestling community as a coach, mentor and friend.
"He is everything. He is a coach. And not only that he loves the sport and he loves the kids as well," said Ava Shaikh, a wrestler at Kettle Moraine High School. "He treats you like family."
Watch: Ben Askren auctions off his Olympic singlet as community raises money for his medical bills
Many in attendance shared how Askren has influenced their lives over the years, showing the deep connection he's built within the wrestling community.
"I've known Ben, way back in high school we knew each other," said Charlie Wiza, Kettle Moraine Assistant Superintendent. "He is a best friend of mine."
Jacob Raschk of Wisconsin Wreste has a long history with Askren. "I've known Ben since 7th grade, I'm 26 now. He has been my coach since then. Went to University of Missouri just like him," Raschk said.
After competing in the 2008 Summer Olympics, Askren launched the Askren Wrestling Academy, where he coached and taught wrestling to many in the community. The outdoor event at Kettle Moraine High School was originally Askren's idea to expose more people to the sport.
When Askren developed pneumonia that eventually led to his need for a double lung transplant, his friends transformed the event into a fundraiser. In a gesture that stunned his supporters, Askren donated his Olympic singlet for auction to help with his own medical expenses.
"I was with him this weekend. I said, 'Hey, could you maybe sign something that I could raffle off.' And he went into his closet and tossed me his singlet. It was his Olympic singlet. I said, 'I can't take this Ben,'" Wiza recalled.
Wiza says Asken eventually him to take it and auction it off. Now that Askren is back in the hospital with an infection, his friends want him to focus on recovery rather than financial concerns.
"I also hope Ben knows how loved and supported he is," Wiza said.
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