Rulon's wrestling career began when he was six years old. For one week every year, Star Valley would have a wrestling camp, which always concluded with a tournament on the weekend. Rulon participated in this from six years old until he started junior high school at 12 years old.

Rulon began a regular wrestling season while in junior high and continued with the wrestling seasons until he graduated with a degree in physical education from the University of Nebraska. After graduating from the University of Nebraska, Rulon continued his Olympic wrestling pursuit with full-time dedication.

In the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Rulon Gardner shocked the world when he defeated the previously unbeaten Russian, Alexander Karelin. As a member of the 2000 US Olympic wrestling team, Rulon was pitted against Russian legend Alexander Karelin, in what can only be described as a David versus Goliath scenario. Against harrowing odds, Rulon emerged as the victor. In doing so, he immediately captured the admiration of Americans, winning the gold medal in one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history.

Rulon came back to the Olympics in 2004 to defend his title and took home the Bronze medal. In 2010, Rulon was inducted as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. After a devastating accident where he was lost in the Wyoming wilderness overnight in winter, sopping wet, he moved past the amputation of a toe to win Olympic Bronze in Athens, where he ceremoniously retired from Greco-Roman Wrestling.

Rulon shares with his audience the sense of determination, the self-confidence, and the fighting spirit that gave him the strength to stand up against seemingly unbeatable odds and win. Rulon is currently making his profession as a motivational speaker, often appearing as a keynote presenter and event host. He has appeared at many corporate events, celebrity golf tournaments, trade shows, and conventions.