Adrian BRIAN

Adrian Brian was in the US Army when he wrestled Greco-Roman at the 1920 Antwerpen Olympics. He attended Fremont College in Nebraska, before transferring to the University of Nebraska. Brian became a career Army officer. When he was stationed in Panama, he and his wife, Ruth, began a lifelong friendship with Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower, often playing bridge together. Brian remained in the Army through World War II, retiring as a colonel.

For many years Brian was not considered an Olympic competitor as many wire service stories listed the US featherweight Greco-Roman wrestler as John Vorres. However, research by wrestling historian Don Sayenga showed conclusively that it was Brian who actually competed and this was later confirmed in interviews with his sons.