He's still a little brother

Balance. If there's ever a word that describes Rulon Gardner, it's balance. Gardner has demonstrated a balance to succeed on the mat - and in life.

If anyone should know about that balance, it's Dr. Gerri Gardner, who lives in Gardnerville. Gardner is a cardiologist with Carson City's Sierra Nevada Cardiology Associates who works at Carson-Tahoe Hospital. She's also Rulon's big sister.

While Rulon weighs up to 260 pounds, he'll always be Dr. Gardner's little brother. Rulon is the youngest of nine children and is 10 years younger than Dr. Gardner. He also burst onto the scene at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia when he pulled off the "Miracle on the Mat" in the heavyweight division in Greco-Roman wrestling.

Gardner was supposed to have no chance against Russia's Aleksandr Karelin, a three-time Olympic gold medalist who hadn't lost in 15 years. But Gardner upset Karelin for the gold in an upset that has been compared to the United States' win over the Soviet Union in ice hockey in the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Now after facing his share of adversity - including a near death experience - Gardner is back to defend his gold in Athens when wrestling takes place on Aug. 24 and 25.

Through it all, Dr. Gardner has observed her little brother's balance. She watched her little brother become married a couple of weeks ago and will see him again in Athens.

Her little brother is someone who can go on the Jay Leno show - which he recently did - but is also someone who can give serious testimony in front of Congress regarding controversy that has surrounded the United States Olympic Committee.

Dr. Gardner remembers the time when her little brother was driving a tractor in his underwear singing a song. She also remembers the time when her little brother had an arrow stuck inside of him - which she had forgotten until seeing a recent picture in USA Today showing the mark that was left by the arrrow.

"He was just sort of a happy go-lucky kid," Dr. Gardner said. "He's still kind of like that. He can relate to children. He's really good with kids. He's just a good guy."

But Dr. Gardner also noted her little brother's maturity. "He can give an impromptu speech," she said. "It's impressive.

"He's a mature man. He's actually been very successful and I'm very proud of him. I just have a lot of respect for his maturity."

Gardner had to wrestle through a broken hand during the Western Regionals earlier this year and was still able to win there to keep his Olympic dream alive. He eventually went on to qualify for Athens.

Dr. Gardner said her little brother has a high pain tolerance. But it still wasn't easy watching Gardner's opponents show no mercy.

"They were going for his hand," Dr. Gardner said. "That is a huge amount of pressure on you bones."

As an older sister, it's still difficult to watch. "He's a little brother when he's been hurt wrestling," Dr. Gardner said. "It still hurts to see him get hurt."

Gardner's broken hand has been the least of his problems. He's had his share of mishaps with the most serious coming two years ago when he survived 18 hours in below freezing temperatures after a snowmobile accident in the Wyoming backcountry. Gardner was told he'd never walk again. But he's made it all the way back to the Olympics only needing to have a middle toe amputated, which doesn't affect his ability to wrestle.

Because of her work schedule, Gardner couldn't visit her little brother during his recovery. "That was frustrating," she said.

But as a doctor herself, she wanted to make sure he was receiving the best care possible. "I talked to the doctors every day," she said.

Dr. Gardner will travel to Athens next week and admits security is a concern. "I'm concerned about the opening and closing ceremonies for him," she said. "I'm concerned about his venue."

She remembers being in Sydney when Gardner upset Karelin and how hostile the environment was. All of the fans in the arena - except for the Americans - were rooting for Karelin and International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch came to congratulate the Russian wrestler on his expected victory.

"There could have been a riot in the place right there and then," Dr. Gardner said. "I think that whole crowd was just shocked. So was Rulon."

Since that time Gardner has become a much more popular wrestler on the International scene. He's expected to leave his shoes on the mat - a tradition when a wrestler retires - after his last match in Sydney.

Contact Charles Whisnand at cwhisnand@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1214.