Nara Sihavong: Wrestler, coach, entrepreneur & philanthropist.

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

When we featured Folkstyle national champion and Stanford University wrestler Dawson Sihavong as a rising star in the Lao American Sports Hall of Fame it quickly became apparent that Dawson’s journey to the top began a generation earlier in war-torn Laos. Nara Sihavong came to the United States as a refugee in 1978. A mere seven years later he made history when in 1985 he joined the wrestling team at George Mason University and became the first known Lao American to compete at the NCAA Division I level. Nara would go on to have a successful career, founding companies and building philanthropy organizations all while giving back to the sport that he loves. For over 30 years Nara has helped a new generation of wrestlers achieve their dreams including his own son, Dawson. Music: Summer of 1984-RKVC https://www.laoamericansports.com/dawson-sihavong