Mike Herbert

Mike Herbert was a legend in the flatwater canoe community in the United States, and was often called the “Daniel Boone” of kayaking. Herbert came from the Ozarks in Arkansas, not exactly a hotbed of US canoeing, but his legendary work ethic and strength took him to the top levels of US kayaking. He paddled for the US at the 1988, 1992, and 1996 Olympics. Herbert won three medals at the World Championships, with two silvers in 1990, and a bronze in 1989. He also won six medals, including three golds, at the Pan American Games, competing in 1987, 1991, and 1995. During his racing career he won 27 US Championships. Known for his bodybuilder physique, Herbert continued to compete in canoe marathons after his prime racing career ended. Even into his late 50s he worked out almost every day, and was once described as “muscles bulging off of other muscles.”

Herbert is perhaps best remembered for the time he wrestled a bear. In 1985, at a Tulsa, Oklahoma nightclub, Herbert took up an offer to wrestle Victor the Bear, a 700-pounder who was promoted by Tuffy Truesdell. The promotion offered a Camaro Z-28 to anyone who could defeat the bear, which was declawed and wrestled with a muzzle. Herbert heard about the promotion and drove from his home in Arkansas to Tulsa for the match. Two others went before Herbert and failed to flip the bear, but Herbert pinned Victor in only a few seconds. The Camaro never materialized, as Truesdell demanded a re-match, which did not occur, but the match is not forgotten in the US kayaking world.