Finish Strong: The Dan Russell Story (Paperback) - Softcover

Dan Russell is recognized as the real deal in the wrestling world. He's a four-time NCAA Champion and four-time Academic All-American. He was an Olympic alternate for the 1992 and 1996 Olympics and named the 1995 Unofficial Champion of the World after winning the Ivan Poddubny Tournament at the time, the second U.S. athlete to ever do so. Dan was the 2004 Olympic wrestling coach for Guam and Olympic Solidarity Instructor for Palau and Federated States of Micronesia. He taught for several years at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

Dan is the senior pastor at Battle Ground Foursquare Church in Battle Ground, Washington. He is also a motivational speaker at colleges, businesses and church groups around the world.

I've known Dan Russell since high school and even back then he and his brother Joe were making history-- and they were on a quest for gold. This gold wasn't buried beneath rock and earth, but under years of hard work, trials and pain. His champion spirit and determination to reach that gold is what makes Dan's story so incredible. And I think we can all gain important 'nuggets' of wisdom from his experiences on the wrestling mat and beyond. As someone who knows a thing or two about the pursuit of gold-- and the many peaks and dark valleys you can experience along the way-- I can tell you that Dan knows what it means to find the true riches in life. --Todd Hoffman, Creator and Star of GOLD RUSH

Finish Strong is an excellent book. I was moved by the authenticity of Dan's account about the bond that forms between two brothers who wrestle that goes beyond friendship, beyond brotherhood, beyond words. And to face the fight alone after tragedy is something that only one who has experienced it can truly know. This story is a powerful reminder that even in the middle of our greatest challenges, we can find the strength to go on. --Mark Schultz, Olympic Champion and author of FOXCATCHER: The True Story of My Brother's Murder, John du Pont's Madness, and the Quest for Olympic Gold

This book is a riveting, dramatic sports memoir told straight from the heart. World-renowned wrestler Dan Russell skillfully guides us through youthful years of fanatically hard work, applying impossible levels of discipline in his headlong pursuit of Olympic gold. The lessons he learns, and the insights he gains along the way, can be applied to any life. Even as a youngster, he is taught that life is all about character and persistence and setting goals. And the passion he brings to the obstacles he encounters on this difficult journey ultimately molds him. His is a truly exceptional life, one packed with achievement. FINISH STRONG is an amazing testament, which sagely describes the bold, often lonely path that Russell chose, and the shaping of the loving husband, father, and spiritual mentor that he eventually became. --Spike Walker, Author of Working on the Edge --the book that inspired DEADLIEST CATCH