Anthony Robles’ NCAA championship named by fans as SportsCenter’s “Best of the Best” in 2011

It was as inspirational a story in sports as could be found in the past twelve months and, now, Anthony Robles’ Division 1 championship win has been named by ESPN’s SportsCenter as the “Best of the Best” in 2011, beating out other nominees from athletic endeavors like college football, Premier League soccer, and MLB.

As even non-wrestling fans likely remember, the 125-pound Robles came to national attention this past spring when the one-legged grappler capped off an undefeated season with his gold-winning performance in the final by taking out defending champ Matt McDonough.

Robles is also a three-time All American with multiple Pac 10 titles.

ESPN’s popular news show, SportsCenter, lets fans vote on “Best of the Best” moments, pitting previous winners up against new selections. Robles’ showing won twenty-one times in a row, giving it the highest total in the group and barely edging out Wayne Rooney’s spectacular bicycle kick against Manchester City.

Check out Robles’ victory against McDonough below:

PHOTO CREDIT – NBC