Kyle Dake’s 2024 Paris Olympic bronze medal wasn’t just another podium finish; it was an emotional testament to his grit and legacy. Trailing Serbia’s Khetag Tsabolov 4-1 with under a minute left, Dake unleashed his signature “Dake bomb,” a five-point overhead throw that flipped the match into a 10-4 stunner. But the real victory was that this time he was doing it for his dad. Just months earlier, Dake lost his father, Doug—the man who first strapped wrestling shoes on his feet at the tender age of four. “I heard my dad: ‘Dig deep and go get it,’” Dake said post-match, clutching a pendant made from Doug’s handprint. This moment was not just a comeback; it was a son honoring a father’s lifelong dream. But before we talk about Kyle’s two-time Olympic bronze, let’s see how his journey began.

Kyle Dake and his journey to 4 NCAA Championships

Born into a wrestling dynasty in Ithaca, New York, on February 25, 1995, Dake was destined for the mat; it was in his blood. His grandfather, Bob Dake was a pioneer of local wrestling programs, building the foundation of the Lansing wrestling high school program. He coached intermittently for nearly 4 decades. And his father, Douglas Dake was an All-American wrestler at Kent State. And so it was only natural for his grandfather and father to nurture in Kyle their love for wrestling.

And Kyle Dake put those teachings to good use, to the say the least. By high school, Dake had already notched two state titles and a jaw-dropping 224-14 record. But it was at Cornell University where he became a legend, shattering NCAA records with four titles across four weight classes, without ever redshirting i.e., 141, 149, 157, and 165 lbs.

His collegiate career was a masterclass in adaptability and dominance with a 137-4 record, 79 consecutive wins, and two undefeated seasons. Wrestling enthusiasts still especially remember his rivalry with Penn State’s David Taylor. The legendary rivalry culminated in a 2013 NCAA final where Dake edged Taylor 5-4 to secure his fourth title. 

However, behind the accolades was a relentless work ethic and his constant pushing his limits. Dake’s training blended technical precision with explosive athleticism, earning him the nickname “Kid Dynamite.” His 18 pins in his senior year alone set a Cornell record, and his 97.2% career win rate remains one of the highest in NCAA history.

Apart from the NCAA titles, Dake’s shelves are piled up with awards like the Dan Hodge Trophy (wrestling’s Heisman), three EIWA Wrestler of the Year honors, and a Sports Illustrated Athlete of the Year nod. 

What’s next for Kyle Dake?

At 34, Dake’s journey is far from finished. Already a four-time World Champion (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022) and two-time Olympic bronze medalist (2020 Tokyo, 2024 Paris), he’s now eyeing the one prize that eludes him: getting Olympic gold. But his journey is shadowed by profound loss. In April 2024, just days before securing his Paris Olympic berth, Doug Dake passed away at 62. Kyle now carries his father’s memory by wearing a pendant shaped from Doug’s handprint. “He was the reason I got into wrestling,” Dake said, voice breaking in a post-trial interview. “I’m trying to honor his memory by competing the way he taught me.” Doug’s absence looms, but his lessons endure.

Beyond the mat, Dake is shaping wrestling’s future. A vocal advocate for Greco-Roman wrestling, he credits the discipline for his freestyle success and pushes for its growth in the U.S. “Greco teaches control and creativity,” he emphasized in a USA Wrestling interview, urging youth coaches to integrate it into training. His influence extends to mentoring rising stars and supporting initiatives like USA Wrestling’s “Grow Greco” fundraiser, aimed at nurturing talent.

Kyle Dake’s story isn’t just about titles. From rewriting NCAA history to carrying his father’s memory onto the Olympic stage, he embodies the spirit of perseverance. As he trains for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Dake’s mission is clear: to keep up with the legacy of his family by elevating America’s wresting fervor.