Biggest Losers

Several former gold medalists fell short in their quest to return to the Olympics

KURT ANGLE

The gold medalist in the 220-pound freestyle class at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta was planning a comeback, at age 43, after various legal troubles and a lengthy career as an actor and pro wrestler. He halted those plans after tearing a knee ligament earlier this month.

HENRY CEJUDO

After dropping two of three periods to Nick Simmons in the semifinals of the 121-pound freestyle weight class on Sunday, the only U.S. wrestling gold medalist at the 2008 Beijing Games removed his shoes while on the mat, signifying his retirement from the sport at just 25 years old.

RULON GARDNER

At age 40, The Biggest Loser contestant couldn't quite lose enough. Once 474 pounds, Gardner (left), the 2000 Greco-Roman heavyweight Olympic champion, was five pounds over the 264.5-pound limit last Friday morning and didn't attend the afternoon weigh-in.

CAEL SANDERSON

The 2004 Olympic gold medalist at 185 pounds began a comeback last year after coaching Penn State to the 2011 team title. Sanderson placed fifth at the world championships last September, but the 32-year-old ended his comeback last week, citing coaching and parenting responsibilities.