Judy Robles isn’t a celebrity or a politician. She doesn’t live in a mansion or star in Hollywood films. But to many people—especially those who follow wrestling—Judy Robles is a hero. She is the mother of Anthony Robles, a wrestler born with only one leg who went on to become an NCAA national champion. And behind his incredible success story is her own—a story filled with strength, sacrifice, and an unshakable belief in her son.
This is the story of a single mother who didn’t let challenges define her family. It’s a story that proves how powerful love and perseverance can be.
A Difficult Start
Judy Robles gave birth to Anthony in Arizona in 1988. From the moment he was born, life didn’t go as planned. Anthony was missing his right leg. Doctors couldn’t explain why it happened. There was no medical reason. Some suggested he would need special care for the rest of his life. They didn’t expect much from him.
But Judy Robles did.
She refused to let her son feel like he was less than anyone else. She didn’t treat him as disabled. Instead, she raised him to believe he could do anything he set his mind to.
“We don’t say ‘can’t’ in this house,” she told him. That sentence became a rule and a mindset.
Raising a Fighter
Judy was a single mom. She worked long hours, often multiple jobs, to support her family. Money was tight, but love and motivation were never in short supply. She made sure Anthony knew that he was strong, even if he looked different from the other kids.
When Anthony showed interest in sports, especially wrestling, Judy encouraged him. She didn’t worry about his missing leg. She focused on his potential. While others doubted, she believed.
Judy took him to practices, stayed late after school meets, and cheered louder than anyone in the stands. She was his biggest fan, his coach, and his constant supporter.
“Whenever I got down on myself, she reminded me of who I was,” Anthony later said. “She saw greatness in me even when I couldn’t see it in myself.”
Tough Love and Tougher Choices
Judy Robles was never one to sugarcoat reality. She raised Anthony with tough love. If he had a bad practice or came home with excuses, she didn’t baby him. She pushed him to improve, to work harder, and to believe in his strength.
There were moments when Anthony wanted to quit. But Judy wouldn’t let him.
She knew the world wouldn’t go easy on her son. So she prepared him for it. She knew that being soft wouldn’t help him in the long run. Judy made sure Anthony grew up with discipline, focus, and grit.
This wasn’t always easy. As a mom, she sometimes wanted to protect her child from pain. But she also knew that true success came from struggle. And she was raising a man, not a victim.
The Road to Glory
Anthony Robles joined the wrestling team at Mesa High School in Arizona. At first, many people were unsure if a one-legged wrestler could really compete. But Anthony didn’t just compete—he dominated.
He finished high school with a 96–0 record in his last two years. He became a state champion. And yet, college recruiters still doubted him.
Judy never gave up hope. Eventually, Arizona State University offered Anthony a spot. Judy stood proudly as he put on his Sun Devils gear and started his college career.
And then, the magic happened.
In 2011, in his senior year, Anthony Robles won the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship in the 125-pound weight class. He became a national champion—an inspiration to millions.
And behind that championship moment was a woman whose voice he could hear in every match: “You can do this.”
Life After Wrestling
Anthony Robles’ victory wasn’t just about wrestling. It was a symbol of what’s possible when someone is believed in. After retiring from competitive sports, he became a motivational speaker and author. His story was featured on ESPN, and he even won the prestigious Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.
He always credits his mom for everything he’s achieved.
“She’s the reason I’m standing here today,” Anthony said during one of his speeches. “She believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.”
Judy Robles remains proud of her son, but she continues to live a humble life. She’s not looking for fame. She simply wanted her son to succeed and be happy.
She got her wish.
Lessons from Judy Robles
Judy’s story is more than just a tale of a strong mother. It’s a guide for anyone raising children, facing adversity, or fighting to be heard. Her life reminds us that:
- Belief is powerful. When someone truly believes in you, it can change everything.
- Tough love matters. Protecting kids from hard things may feel right, but preparing them for real life is more important.
- Support is priceless. Just being present, cheering loud, and showing up consistently can shape a person’s future.
- You don’t need perfect conditions to succeed. Judy didn’t have money, fame, or an easy path. But she had heart.
A Legacy of Strength
Today, Judy Robles is often asked how she raised a champion. She gives simple answers—love, discipline, and belief. But the real secret may be her refusal to ever see her son as limited. She taught Anthony to see himself as powerful, capable, and worthy of greatness.
That’s a lesson more people need to hear.
Judy’s story is not just about parenting. It’s about leadership, courage, and never giving up—on your child, your dreams, or yourself.
And perhaps the most inspiring part? She never did it for attention. She did it because that’s what moms do.
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