Background
Obenson Blanc was born on May 17, 1985 in Jean-Rabel, Haiti, where he lived with his grandparents for much of his early life. At age 7, Blanc met his father and moved with him to the city of Port-au-Prince. After living in Port-au-Prince for a year, Blanc and his father moved to the United States in search of a better future.
The journey that began in Haiti would land the pair in Portland, Oregon five flights later. After two years and with much help, Blanc was able to keep up with his American peers enough to be fully integrated into the American education system. After graduating from elementary school, Blanc relocated to Immokalee, Florida, where he lived with family members while his father remained in Oregon to help guide the Haitian church that he had started. The pair would re-unite again in Naples, Florida. It was in Naples, that much of Blanc’s growing up took place and his love for wrestling developed.
Wrestling
As a sophomore at Lely High School, Blanc started wrestling when a teacher persuaded him to do so by giving him a free class period. After winning his first wrestling match, Blanc was hooked on the sport that would shape much of his life. During his sophomore campaign Blanc quickly developed unto one of the top wrestlers in his weigh-class winning both his district and region, but failed to place at the state meet. Blanc continued to improve his skills as he finished 5th at the NHSCA National tournament that summer. As a Junior Blanc maintained an undefeated campaign until finishing second at the state tournament and the NHSCA Nationals that same year. By his senior year, Blanc asserted himself as one of the best wrestlers in the nation, winning his state tournament and the Senior Nationals in 2003.
After graduation, Blanc received a scholarship to wrestle at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania where was an All-American. After graduating from Lock Haven, Blanc transferred to Oklahoma State University for his senior season and to began his post-graduate studies. After graduating from Oklahoma State University, Blanc shifted his focus to freestyle wrestling and has made three U.S. National Teams including the world team in 2010.
Blanc has lived most of his life in the United States and in 2006 became a U.S. Citizen after being a resident for 12 years. Everything that Obe has become is a direct result of the opportunities offered by the United States, family upbringing, and the grace of God and is very grateful for it all. Currently, Blanc is actively training to represent the United States at the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games in hopes of bringing the gold medal back to the United States…LONDON BOUND 2012!!!
