In what many considered an improbable scenario, Wyatt Hendrickson defied expectations and defeated Gable Steveson on Saturday night.
Hendrickson secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist, in the final of the 285-pound division at the NCAA Division I wrestling championships. The winning takedown came in the closing moments of the match.
“Today, I won the gold medal and became No. 1,” Hendrickson stated. “I kept telling myself that I was capable of this. I believe God gave me this gift. Throughout the week, I reflected on the story of David and Goliath, and how against all odds, David triumphed over Goliath. Today, I did the same.”
While Steveson`s collegiate wrestling career has concluded, he is expected to focus on the 2028 Olympics and potentially explore opportunities in mixed martial arts.
See below for reactions from wrestling professionals to this significant win:
