Some outside the U.S. Greco-Roman wrestling program had reasons to question whether Ben Provisor would qualify for the Rio Games.
The Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center resident and 187-pound Greco-Roman wrestler had plenty of injuries and other setbacks that might have derailed another's journey to Rio de Janeiro.
But then they don't know him like coach Dennis Hall, who has mentored the Stevens Point, Wis., native since the third grade.
"He has been through a lot with all the injuries, but it never caused him to waver like it would have others," Hall said. "He's healthy, prepared and ready for Rio."
His weight class competes on Monday along with heavyweight Robby Smith. Greco began Sunday for Jesse Thiekle (130 pounds), rated 19th in the world, and fifth-ranked 165-pounder Andy Bisek.
For Provisor, 26, making it to Rio required a renewed dedication and drive. Being an Olympian simply wasn't good enough like it may have been in 2012.
"I won't get caught up in the Olympics experience with all its distractions," said Provisor, who placed 11th in London. "All this is about is wrestling my best. I want to win and better support my daughter, Evelyn."
American wrestlers are awarded $250,000 from private donors for winning a gold medal; $50,000 for silver and $25,000 for bronze.
"He's not going to let the other stuff distract him from what's he's there for," Hall added. "He's come too far."
Provisor had to show his dedication to the rest of the team. He moved away from his young family to Colorado Springs, Colo., where the four-man team and national team coach Matt Lindland are based, a couple of months before the Olympic team trials. Hall followed him to the Pikes Peak region and kept up his personal tutelage.
"You can work hard on your own but a big strength of this program is how we work as a team," Lindland said. "We want everyone to give everything they have for the team and to support one another. Moving here showed he wanted to be part of that team and the other guys noticed. I feel really good about his chances as I do all our guys. We are well prepared for Rio."
Hall expects Provisor to do well too. His division is considered wide open for a surprise wrestler to medal with Ukrainian and 2015 world champion Zhan Beleniuk the favorite followed by Hungarian Viktor Loerincz and Damian Janikowski of Poland. None have dominated the world stage of late leaving it open for a dark horse like Provisor.
"I definitely think he will medal if he wrestles to his capabilities," Hall said. "No one is unbeatable. But if you're going to beat him, you are going to have to win a war."
