Sells Olympic Gold to Survive.

Mark Ronald Wells was born in 1957 in Michigan. However, he is best known as a member of the men’s national ice hockey team. Ironically, he sold his Olympic gold medal to survive many years later. But first things first.

After graduating from college, where Mark played hockey, he was invited to the men’s national ice hockey team.  As a result, at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, the US team, consisting of students, performed a “Miracle on ice” by defeating the USSR team.

In other words, that match went down in history, and the Americans sensationally won gold medals. Thus, Mark Wells became an Olympic champion. After the Olympics, Wells played in several NFL clubs, but he never really found his spot on any team.

In 1982, his career ended. After leaving hockey, Mark worked as a restaurant manager in Michigan. Unfortunately, one day he received a spinal fracture while unloading boxes.

“I hope that you will treasure this medal, as I do”.

Wells was diagnosed with a rare degenerative disease of the spine. The disease subsequently affected the discs in the spine. The former hockey player was forced to leave work. He underwent many operations and was bedridden for a long time.

In 2010, due to financial difficulties and upcoming operations, Wells made one of the most difficult decisions in his life: he sold his Olympic gold medal award for $ 40,000.

When selling the medal, Wells wrote these very moving words: “This gold medal symbolizes my personal achievements and the achievements of our team. It has held a special place in my heart since February 1980. Recently, I have decided to sell my Olympic gold to survive. I hope you will treasure this medal, as I do.”

Fortunately, in 2014, Mark Wells’s condition improved.  In conclusion, he continues to live in his hometown and even sometimes makes public appearances.

Do you condemn the act of Mark Ronald? Or do you think that he made the right decision in his case? Share your thoughts in the comments.

You may also read about the MMA fighters who ended careers due to injuries.