American Greco-Roman wrestler
Lindsey Durlacher (September 14, 1974 – June 4, 2011) was an American Greco-Roman wrestler, mixed martial arts fighter, and judo athlete whose career highlight was a bronze medal at the 2006 FILA Wrestling World Championships at 55 kg.[1] He was among the most accomplished collegiate wrestlers in Illinois history.[2]
Early life
Durlacher was Jewish, and was born in Evanston, Illinois.[3][4]
He attended Riley Elementary School in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Cooper Middle School in Buffalo Grove.[5]
Wrestling career
He was a graduate of Buffalo Grove High School in Buffalo Grove, IL, going 44–0–1 in his senior year, where he later coached and mentored students.[6] He was a two-time All-American at the University of Illinois.[6]
His career highlight was a bronze medal at the 2006 FILA Wrestling World Championships at 121 pounds.[1] Durlacher was also the 1991 Wisconsin state champion, second in the 1991 Junior Nationals, 1992 Wisconsin high school champion (103 pounds), 1993 Maccabiah Games champion, third in the 1994–95 University Nationals, second in the 1996–97 University Nationals, second in the 1997 NCAA Championships, 1997 Maccabiah Games champion, 2001 Maccabiah Games champion, second in the 2002 and 2003 U.S. Nationals, silver medalist in the 2003 Pan American Games, second in the 2004 and 2005 U.S. Nationals, 2005 Maccabiah Games champion, second in the 2007 U.S. Nationals, silver medalist in the 2007 Pan American Games, a member of the 2007 American world team champions, second in the 2007 and 2008 U.S. Nationals, and third in the 2009 U.S. Nationals.[6][7][8]
Durlacher was also assistant coach at the University of Illinois, Northwestern, Northern Illinois University, and the U.S. Naval Academy.[6]
Mixed martial arts career
Durlacher made his MMA debut on May 18, 2002 against Miguel Torres, who had a 19-0 record at the time, all finishes, and would go on to become WEC Bantamweight Champion. Durlacher lost by unanimous decision after a tough fight that went to a decision, the first of Torres' career.[9] Durlacher's second fight was on November 09, 2002, defeating Gjermund Larsen by unanimous decision. His third and final fight was on October 15, 2005, defeating Richard Hess by TKO in the first round.[10]
Judo career
At the Maccabiah Games in 2009, Durlacher was the flag bearer for the US team and competed in judo at 60kg.[11] Durlacher lost his opening match to eventual champion Yoav Shemesh (ISR) by ippon. In the bronze medal match, Durlacher lost by ippon to Felipe Kitadai (BRA), a fifth-place finisher at the 2008 Junior World Championships and future Olympic bronze medalist.[12][13]
Death
Durlacher suffered a broken sternum in a snowmobile accident in February 2011.[14] Durlacher had surgery for the injury in June 2011.[5][14][15] He died at the age of 36 in his sleep on June 4, 2011, three days after his surgery, at his home in Denver, Colorado.[5]
Hall of Fame
He is a member of the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame.[6][7] In October 2016, Lindsey was inducted into the GrecoRoman Wrestling Hall of Fame in a ceremony in Minneapolis, MN.
United States
