STILLWATER, Okla. — Former Utah Valley University wrester Ben Kjar was named the Class of 2027 Medal of Courage recipient by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the organization announced on Thursday. Kjar became Utah Valley's first NCAA Division I All-American in wrestling when he placed fourth at the NCAA Championships in 2011. 

Kjar is among a group of eight who will be honored next June at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. The class also includes: Distinguished Members Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston, Iris Smith, Thad Turner and Joe Warren; Meritorious Official honoree Michael Chase; Order of Merit recipient Dan Russell; and Outstanding American honoree Retired United States Navy Admiral Richard W. Mies.

The Class of 2027 will be honored and officially inducted during the 50th Honors Weekend on June 4 and 5, 2027 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. For more information on Honors Weekend, please email info@nwhof.org.

"The National Wrestling Hall of Fame is proud to announce the Class of 2027, an exceptional group of individuals whose accomplishments, character and service have left an enduring impact on the sport of wrestling and society," said Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. "Together, this class represents the very best of wrestling's rich tradition and the profound influence the sport has in shaping champions both on and off the mat."

The Medal of Courage recipient is a wrestler or former wrestler who has overcome what appear to be insurmountable challenges, providing inspiration to others.

Born with Crouzon Syndrome, a rare craniofacial disorder, Ben Kjar used wrestling to overcome bullying and harsh scrutiny. He was the first three-time Utah state wrestling champion at Viewmont High School and had a career record of 121–6 and helped lead his team to the school's first-ever state team championship. Kjar was a five-time USA High School wrestling national champion. Kjar finished fourth at the 2011 NCAA Division I Championships to become Utah Valley University's first NCAA Division I wrestling All-American.

In the semifinals of the national tournament Ben was beaten by eventual NCAA champion Anthony Robles, who received the Medal of Courage award from the Hall of Fame in 2012. Kjar is UVU's career leader in wins with 129, including a school record 39 victories as a freshman in 2007-08. At age 40, and wrestling for the United States, Kjar was a gold medalist in Greco-Roman and a silver medalist in freestyle at the 2023 Veterans World Championships in Loutraki, Greece. Kjar is an international professional speaker and thought leader, inspiring people and organizations around the world to set bold goals and achieve what once seemed impossible.

Through his message of "Call Your Shot," Ben helps individuals and teams clearly define their goals, surround themselves with accountability, and create timelines that drive real results. His remarkable career and life were captured in the award-winning film, Standout: The Ben Kjar Story, one of the top-grossing documentaries of 2026. Winner of the Spirit of Slamdance award at the Slamdance Film Festival, it later won Best Documentary and Audience Choice honors at the San Diego International Film Festival and was a Critics Choice Nominee for Best Sports Documentary.

As the Medal of Courage recipients who went before him, Kjar has chosen to rise above every challenge and become a victor, not a victim.