Robert Roth

In addition to his somewhat surprising 1920 Olympic gold medal, Robert Roth was Swiss Champion in schwingen, the Swiss national wrestling style, in 1919 and 1921. He dominated Swiss schwingen competitions for several years together with his brother, Hans Roth.

Robert Roth turned professional in 1922 and wrestled as a pro until 1925. Roth was the top professional wrestling star in Switzerland in 1922-24. In December 1922 he wrestled in France, his first professional matches outside his native country, and won a world professional title by defeating Belgian Constant le Marin. Roth also boxed professionally in 1922-23, although in only two bouts.

In 1924 Roth moved to Canada where he wrestled professionally and fought the Canadian champion, Wladek Zbyszko, who gave him his only known defeat as a professional. He then returned to Europe and wrestled in Belgium in 1924-25, before retiring from the pro ranks. Roth regained his amateur status and in 1928, and in 1930 became the Swiss freestyle champion, while in 1928 he won the Swiss Greco-Roman championship.

After retiring from pro wrestling Robert Roth purchased some land and a pair of businesses in Switzerland, which he operated alongside two of his brothers, Niklaus and Louis. Two of his other brothers, Hans and Fritz wrestled at the 1924 Olympics. Hans was a two-time schwingen champion, in 1929 and 1931.