Anthony Amado attended Portland State University where he won a 1985 NCAA D-2 wrestling title, finishing second in his class in 1986. He was a top junior wrestler, winning the 1981 National Age Group Greco title, and he was a four-time Junior National Freestyle Champion. Amado also competed in gymnastics in high school. In 1987, Amado won a bronze medal at the Pan-American Games and fourth in the World Championships. He was third in the 1986 World Cup. He captured the U.S. Nationals in 1986, and was runner-up in 1983, 1988 and 1989.