Flinn Scholars gathered in October for an inspiring conversation with Anthony Robles, NCAA wrestling champion, author, motivational speaker, and the 2025 Flinn Foundation Centennial Lecturer at Arizona State University.
Before Robles delivered his public address for the ASU Centennial Lecture, an annual event funded by a Flinn Foundation endowment established in 1985 to commemorate the university’s centennial, he met privately with Flinn Scholars from Arizona’s three public universities.
Robles, born with one leg, rose to national prominence after capturing the 2011 NCAA wrestling title at 125 pounds while competing for ASU, and is the subject of the 2024 movie, “Unstoppable.”
During the hour-long conversation, he spoke about the mindset that fueled his athletic success, the power of perseverance, and how he has used his story to motivate others to overcome obstacles and define success on their own terms.
His message of resilience and purpose struck a personal chord with Diego Chavez, a Class of 2022 Flinn Scholar and senior at ASU.
“I’ve been an athlete my entire life, and with that comes role models, people you look up to and try to emulate. For me, as a young wrestler growing up in Arizona who dreamed of one day going to ASU, that person was Anthony Robles. I remember being maybe 10 years old, attending one of Anthony’s wrestling camps in Payson, Arizona. Meeting someone I considered a legend in the sport was incredible. I was just a kid who wanted to be like him and accomplish the kinds of things he had achieved.
“Fast forward about twelve years, and I’m now a senior in college. I no longer wrestle, but my passion for growth and helping younger generations has only deepened. When I attended the Centennial Lecture this year, I expected to connect to Anthony’s story as a wrestler, but instead, I saw him from a completely different perspective.
“This time, I didn’t just see the athlete. I saw the individual who was living out his story to inspire others and contribute to something greater than himself. His platform happened to be wrestling, but his impact reached far beyond the mat. That shift in perspective really resonated with me because it’s something I hope to do in my own life—to take what I’ve learned and use it to make future generations even better,” Chavez said.
For many Scholars, Robles’ visit underscored how perseverance and purpose can transform personal challenge into leadership that uplifts others, a lesson that mirrors the values at the heart of the Flinn Scholars Program.
“Having the opportunity to engage directly with someone whose story exemplifies courage and service reminds Scholars that excellence is not only about achievement but also about impact,” said Anne Lassen, vice president of scholarship and education initiatives at the Flinn Foundation. “Anthony Robles embodies that ideal.”