Little-known fact, professional wrestler Kurt Angle actually trained for the Olympics on Foxcatcher farm, and developed a close friendship with Dave Schultz. An even lesser-known fact is that he dedicated his Olympic gold-medal win to Dave.
Due to the memories and deep personal relationships with everyone depicted in the movie, it makes sense that Kurt Angle has avoided watching Foxcatcher, but he recently worked up the courage to catch a screening of it. Afterwards he took to Facebook, typing out this emotionally resonating heartfelt response.
“I finally struck up the nerve to see Foxcatcher today. Wow…. It’s hard to relive something so very close to You. To be honest, I cried hard when Dave was shot and murdered by DuPont. The emotional tie I had with Dave was so very strong. He was a friend, coach, mentor, a true brother. The movie was very real-to-life. The actors were “right on” with their portrayals of Mark, Dave and Du Pont. The 1 thing that stood out was Dave’s true Love for wrestling. He truly Loved wrestling, more than anyone. Dave unselfishly Loved wrestling, to the point of helping others more than himself. I felt a sense of guilt as well. I witnessed, watching the movie, that my career escalated because of the sacrifices Mark and Dave Schultz both endured. For Mark, Foxcatcher ultimately ruined the end of his wrestling career. For Dave, he lost his life. If there wasn’t a Foxcatcher, I never would have met Dave, therefore I don’t know how far I would have made it. Dave was a crucial part of my success. Both Mark and Dave were my role models. Mark was unbeatable, PERIOD! When Mark was on, there was nobody better. NOBODY! And Dave?? He was the absolute best technician in the world, bar none. On the side of John Du Pont, I saw a man who never got approval from his mother. A man that had nothing but time on his hands. And when a man’s mind runs idle, evil can kick in. It seems sad that extremely wealthy people seem to get bored if they don’t have short and long term goals to attain. To the point of taking drugs and letting your mind start to stray. Delusional is a better term, but regardless, evil stemmed from it. So many great memories I had at Foxcatcher. So many days training with Dave, knowing that he was going make me better. I never went back to Foxcatcher after Dave was killed. I honestly don’t know how I would feel. Would I remember the good things, or would I stand in front of the spot where Dave was killed and shed more tears. Regardless, the Schultz brothers have had a positive effect on my life. Learning from Dave and wanting to be as good as Mark. They will live forever in my heart and soul. May GOD bless You both. I will never forget You both and the times we had at Foxcatcher Farms!!! And to Bennett Miller, the director, job well done!”
Robert Kojder – An aficionado of film, wrestling, and gaming. He currently writes for Flickering Myth, We Got This Covered, and Wrestle Enigma. Follow me on Twitter.
Originally published January 24, 2015. Updated March 21, 2022.
