Mike Boyette passes away

source: SLAM! Wrestling

Mike “The Hippie” Boyette, who died on Thursday, was an accomplished judoka — making the U.S. Olympic team — before turning to professional wrestling.

Growing up in California, Mike Bowyer began studying judo at the age of nine. While serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, his judo studies continued, and he was chosen for the American Olympic team for the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo. Unfortunately, Bowyer broke his leg during a practice session, and forfeited his spot on the squad.

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