Gold medals, NCAA titles, and an unsurmountable record—with all this to his name, it is hard to argue against the legacy Gable Steveson has left in his wake. But the time is ticking and the final dance is near. But as Gable is looking forward to putting an end to this magnificent legacy, there is one more honor that is looming in the corner. And Minnesota have taken it upon themselves to make sure it happens. After all, this time it’s not Gable’s skills that will decide his fate. It’s the fans.

Gable has made it to the semifinals for the nominations of the 95th edition of the AAU James E. Sullivan Award. With winners including the ranks of Michael Phelps, Carl Lewis, and Peyton Manning, it is one of the most prestigious sports awards in all of America. And Minnesota is urging wrestling fans across the States to vote for Steveson and make him the winner. They even tweeted their sentiments.

The official handle for Minnesota Wrestling posted on X and urged the fans to keep voting for the champion. The caption also includes the link to vote for him: “Only three days left to cast a vote for Gable for the AAU Sullivan Award! Fans can vote once per day until Tuesday: http://z.umn.edu/GableAAU” Voting lines will be open until February 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. The winner will be announced on April 15 at the New York Athletic Club. Supporters can vote once daily through the official AAU Sullivan Award website.

In collegiate athletics, few accolades carry the weight and prestige of being recognized among the nation’s elite. Gable Steveson has achieved such recognition this year, highlighting his extraordinary ability and devotion to his game. And, till now, only 5 wrestlers have been honored with this award. And Gable Steveson can be 6th. The competition is definitely tough. Nominations for the award are gymnasts Stephen Nedoroscik and Fred Richard, Bobby Finke, Katie Ledecky, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and others. But do you know when and how the award came into existence?

The AAU James E. Sullivan Award, established in 1930, is in honor of the founder and past president of the Amateur Athletic Union, James E. Sullivan. Just like these esteemed athletes, Gable Steveson has carved his path to greatness, showcasing relentless dedication and dominance on the mat.

Gable Steveson’s journey on the mat has been inspiring

Stevenson’s impressive career boasts two NCAA championships, an Olympic gold medal, and a remarkable 96-2 record, including a 63-match winning streak—the third-longest in the program’s history. Gable Steveson’s athletic journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, marked by bold transitions and unwavering determination.

After clinching Olympic gold in wrestling at the 2020 Tokyo Games, Steveson ventured into professional wrestling with WWE in 2021. However, his tenure was brief, culminating in his release in May 2024. Undeterred, he pursued a stint in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills but was waived before the regular season commenced. Throughout these shifts, Steveson faced criticism, particularly concerning his return to collegiate wrestling and the potential overshadowing of emerging talents.

Returning to the University of Minnesota for his fifth and final season in November 2024, Steveson reaffirmed his dominance on the mat. He maintained an unblemished record at home, extending his winning streak to 63 matches. His comeback not only silenced critics but also enriched the collegiate wrestling scene with his unparalleled prowess. Steveson also ranked #1 in the latest Intermat rankings; he usurped Penn State’s powerhouse Greg Kerkvlient.

After a three-year hiatus, Steveson defeated North Dakota State’s Drew Blackburn-Forst in the dual in just 1:50 with an 18-3 tech fall. Throughout his collegiate career, Stevenson’s performance has been exemplary. Now, after such great accolades, Gable Steveson and his fans are rallying for a prestigious award.