It’s not common for someone to play themselves in a Hollywood biopic, but Anthony Robles breaks that norm.

The inspirational sports film “Unstoppable” tells the remarkable journey of Robles, who was born with one leg, as he transforms from a high school wrestling star in Arizona to an undefeated national college champion. Actor Jharrel Jerome portrays Anthony, while Robles himself serves as a double in intense wrestling scenes. “I had the chance to train again, to go back and relive that unforgettable time,” Robles, now 36, shares.

Robles’ story of resilience features the influence of coaches, teammates, family, and his devoted mother, Judy (portrayed by Jennifer Lopez), as they assist young Anthony in overcoming self-doubt, a difficult home environment, and those who underestimate his strength.

The film also draws from Robles’ real experiences, including motivational quotes that adorned his high school wrestling room (“A man’s character is his fate”) and a lighthearted moment where Jerome’s character hops on a plane wing while working at an airport. “Honestly, at home, I hop around a lot. I don’t use my crutches that much,” Robles remarks, who is also a producer on the film alongside Lopez and her former partner, Ben Affleck.

The motivational speaker, author, and wrestling coach at Hamilton High School in suburban Phoenix shares what parts of “Unstoppable” are true and which elements are embellished:

Robles Really Did Climb the Iconic ‘Rocky’ Steps for Inspiration

Robles’ victories in high school and at college championships both took place in Philadelphia. At the start and end of the film, Anthony climbs the legendary “Rocky” steps at the Museum of Art for moments of solitude and reflection.

This detail is taken straight from Robles’ life, as he has climbed these steps numerous times, with a family photo from the 2011 national championship shown during the credits. Like in the film, Robles had a “Rocky” poster in his room because the Sylvester Stallone classic provided immense inspiration for him.

Anthony’s Determination Shone Through During ‘Hell Week’ at Arizona State

After his abusive prison-guard stepfather Rick (Bobby Cannavale) leaves, Anthony declines a full scholarship to Drexel University to support his mother. He joins the wrestling team at Arizona State, where coach Shawn Charles (Don Cheadle) puts his athletes through tough challenges during tryouts, including a grueling three-mile hike up a rocky mountain. With his crutches, a bloodied yet determined Anthony successfully scales the mountain, earning the respect of his teammates.

This pivotal scene reflects a similarly strenuous hike that Robles experienced during his ASU team’s “Hell Week.” He recalls feeling a mix of pride and exhaustion. “It was one of the toughest things I’ve ever faced, both mentally and physically. It taught me an important lesson: just take it one day and one step at a time, focusing on what’s ahead.”

‘Unstoppable’ Accurately Represents Anthony Robles’ Tense Relationship with His Stepfather

While “Unstoppable” centers on Anthony’s pursuit of a national championship, it highlights intense moments derived from his relationship with his stepfather. Rick confronts Anthony aggressively, and tensions rise when Rick’s violence towards Judy escalates. When Anthony finds Rick threatening his mother, he puts him in a headlock until the police arrive.

Though dramatized, similar confrontations did occur in Robles’ life. “Things were broken, and law enforcement was involved, which was a reality for us,” Robles explains. “Watching those scenes evokes a mix of anger and understanding. It’s meaningful to know we endured those tough moments together.”

Fan Mail from Children Changed the Course of Anthony Robles’ Life

After losing the 2010 championship to a rival from Iowa, Anthony goes on to win many matches during his senior year. One day, his high school coach (Michael Peña) delivers a box of letters from fans, showing Judy how many kids admire Anthony and calling him “a living hero.” They share a heartfelt moment as Anthony sees how he inspires others.

In reality, he received a bundle of letters from a third-grade class in Atlanta after a difficult loss in the national quarterfinals that summer. “I was devastated. I nearly gave up on returning for my senior year,” Robles recalls. However, that fan mail (which he keeps displayed with his trophies at home) “definitely changed my life direction.” Winning that title became less important than showing those kids that anything is achievable.

Judy Robles, Anthony’s Mother, Is Fiercely Protective

Robles believes Lopez portrayed his mother’s protective instincts accurately, especially in two pivotal crowd scenes at wrestling matches where Judy goes to great lengths to defend him. In one instance, teenage girls mock him for having one leg, and in another, a bystander shouts, “Break his leg!”—prompting Judy to respond aggressively on both occasions.

“When I first started out in wrestling, I remember the crowd laughing, and my mom confronted them directly,” Robles reminisces. “During my matches, she’d always yell out to me so I could focus on her voice in tense moments when everything else faded away.”