Ben Kjar is a World Champion wrestler and motivational speaker whose remarkable story of resilience has inspired audiences of more than 10,000 people. Born with Crouzon syndrome, a rare craniofacial condition, Ben grew up looking different from those around him but refused to allow adversity or other people's expectations to determine his future. He channelled that determination into wrestling, ultimately becoming an elite athlete and World Champion. His extraordinary journey is documented in the 2026 feature film Standout: The Ben Kjar Story, which explores his experiences with difference, identity, perseverance and discovering the strength to stand out rather than fit in.
Ben developed into an exceptional wrestler during his youth, becoming a three-time Utah High School State Champion for Viewmont High School and helping the team secure its first state team championship. In 2002, he became a USA Wrestling Triple Crown Winner and five-time USA High School National Champion. His success continued at Utah Valley University, where in 2011 he became the university's first NCAA Division I All-American. Ben finished fourth at the NCAA Championships and concluded his collegiate career with a then-school-record 129 victories, demonstrating the determination and discipline that would define his sporting journey.
After college, Ben continued competing at an elite level, finishing fourth at the 2012 US Freestyle Olympic Team Trials in the 55kg division and later training towards the 2016 United States Olympic Wrestling Team. His competitive ambitions endured long after his collegiate career. At the 2023 Veterans World Championships in Loutraki, Greece, Ben became Greco-Roman World Champion in the 62kg Division A category and earned a silver medal in freestyle wrestling. His achievements demonstrate a sustained ability to perform under pressure, overcome setbacks and pursue ambitious goals throughout different stages of his life.
Ben was inducted into the Utah Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2025, recognising an exceptional career defined by achievement and perseverance. That year, he also began professional keynote speaking, transforming the lessons of his life and sporting career into powerful messages about resilience, confidence and embracing individuality. His story reached an even wider audience with the 2026 release of Standout: The Ben Kjar Story, directed by Tanner Christensen and released through Angel Studios. Now presenting to audiences worldwide, Ben uses his experiences with Crouzon syndrome and elite sport to demonstrate how adversity can build strength and why standing out can become a person's greatest advantage.
