Aaron Brooks Shatters David Taylor’s 7-Year Streak at US Olympic Wrestling Trials

The US Olympic wrestling trials held several names on the favorite list- David Taylor was one of them. The reigning Olympic wrestling champion has earned almost every title from the wrestling world, including two national titles flaunting the Penn State NLWC jersey. However, in the end, the same home front witnessed the proverbial champion go into the labyrinth of history and courtesy went to a PSU standout Aaron Brooks. 

In the ongoing US Olympic wrestling trials, David Taylor was all up to display his larger-than-life prowess against Aaron Brooks who was fresh off from the NCAA wrestling contest. However, rupturing every equation, the former U23 world champion stopped David Taylor’s chariot in the 86kg event. Furthermore, Aaron Brooks achieved the victory with a milestone. 

It was the first time after 7 years that David Taylor faced a defeat by his national compatriot. The victory tasted sweeter as the 86 kg bout on Saturday seemed to be the revenge game for Brooks. In his last face-off against the Olympic champion, the latter had swept the game by the 6-0 and 5-4 scoreline in the Final X last year. So, Saturday brought a fine chance for the 23-year-old to settle the score. He did that eventually. 

Now, Aaron Brooks has proceeded further on the way to the French Capital to live his Olympic wrestling dream. For David Taylor, things will pan out dissimilar. With one match going into the losing cause, he will have to think about the road differently. 

The road ahead in the US Olympic wrestling trials 

With the 4-1 victory over David Taylor in 86kg, Aaron Brooks has claimed round 1 in his name. However, the winner will be decided by the three-match championship stunner. So, if Aaron Brooks wins the second round against the wrestling legend, he will set sail for the Paris Olympics. However, Taylor will have to clinch back-to-back rounds against the Penn State wrestler to earn the same fate. The round 2 match is scheduled for April 20 evening session. But before stepping into the Jordan Bryce Center again, Aaron Brooks has received some motivating company with him. 

After overpowering David Taylor, the phenom found colleague David Carr waiting for him in the tunnel. Furthermore, another Penn State star, Bo Nickal, cordoned him from the mat, playing his mentor’s role. The trio looked competitive emphatically in front of David Taylor with their nine national titles and multiple Hodge trophies. 

Co-incidentally David Taylor defeated Bo Nickal at the US Olympic wrestling trials for the Tokyo occasion. So with Aaron Brooks, it is his revenge match as well. Now the audience will have to wait a few more hours to know the winner from this once-in-a-lifetime game.