As an athlete, Gable was a championship wrestler at every level. He was a three-time Iowa high school state champion at Waterloo West and a two-time NCAA champion at Iowa State University. His career as an athlete culminated in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich where he won the Gold Medal and did not surrender a single point to any of his opponents. As a coach he was even more dominant in leading the Iowa Hawkeyes to an unprecedented 15 National Championships in 21 seasons.

Gable's success as an athlete and coach is a direct result of his dedication and ability to get the very most out of himself and others. Gable is a renowned speaker on the topics of overcoming adversity, team building, performance enhancement and motivation. He has spoken to diverse audiences, ranging from high school students to Fortune 500 executives.

Gable's speaking style is dynamic and entertaining. He relates his life experiences and gives his formula for success which his listeners can apply in their everyday lives.

"Straight from the heart. Dan gives his audience a great picture of what it takes to win--in life and in business. One of the most moving messages our leadership team has heard. Dan gave us a taste of what it takes to be the very best. We want more!" - Tim Stonehocker, CEO, World Financial Group

"Dan immediately grabs your attention and does not let go as he weaves through his life's struggles and victories, pulling it all together in the end with a lesson on dedication and attitude. No matter the audience, he will leave you motivated, inspired, and ready to take on the world, much like he used to do with his Iowa teams. Dan Gable is at his best when he is Coach Gable and he did not disappoint." - Doug Speas, Senior Manager Sales Promotions, Novo Nordisk

Gable was named to the U.S.A. Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1980 and to the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1985. He was selected the nation's outstanding wrestler by the AAU in 1970, and the U.S. Wrestling Federation in 1971. Gable was the Amateur Wrestling News Man of the Year in 1970. Some of his more recent accolades include being named the top wrestler of the 20th Century by Gannett News Service, listed as one of the top coaches in the 20th Century by ESPN and named Iowa's top "sports figure" in the past 100 years. In 1996, Gable was named one of the "100 Golden Olympians," an honor bestowed to the top 100 U.S. Olympians of all time.

In June 2002, he was appointed to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Several networks, including ESPN and HBO have aired documentaries on Gable's life and accomplishments.