The legendary wrestler David Taylor once appeared to be unbeatable on the mat. Known as “The Magic Man,” he had achieved success, winning three world championships, an Olympic gold medal, and the steadfast admiration of people everywhere. He had strong credentials but did not make the cut for a spot at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. Was this truly the end?

Not one to walk away quietly, he took a coaching job at the University of Oklahoma because it offered him the chance to mentor new wrestlers and restore some routine. But there was something telling him that he did not write the last chapter in his book. And so, fuelled by a desire to step onto the mat one last time and fight for his place again, Taylor made an unlikely return that culminated in him qualifying for the World Championships in Albania.

This competition represents much more than a title for Taylor—it’s a chance to step off the mat on his own terms. “Knowing that this is it for me and knowing that this is the last time I will wrestle, I want to compete on a level that I’m happy with. That’s why I felt fulfillment at the world team trails,” Taylor told Olympics.com after his victory at trials. Preparing for a potential showdown with Russia’s Abdulrashid Sadulaev—a long-anticipated clash between two wrestling titans—Taylor is on his way to deliver a performance that reflects his true caliber.

“Win or lose, I want to compete at that level so that I know I’m not holding on to something, and no what ifs. I just want to be present in the moment and enjoy feeling excited,” Taylor added. In 2020, Taylor called out Sadulaev on social media for a bout, but it never happened. The bout that fans have been waiting for may finally happen at 92 kg, a new weight category for both. However, Taylor also shared a thought about his inspiration from the University of Oklahoma.

David Taylor on how being head coach of Oklahoma reignited his love for returning to competition

David Taylor recently also talked about how, after retiring, his coaching position at Oklahoma helped him rekindle his passion for wrestling. For the upcoming match, he will be joining a select club of wrestlers who have participated in competitions while coaching, such as Abdulrashid Sadulaev, Cael Sanderson and John Smith.

In an interview with Olympics.com, Taylor talked about how coaching young wrestlers at Oklahoma reignited his own love for the sport.

“In the emotion of the moment after that letdown, I felt like I was done wrestling. I just didn’t have any ambition to compete anymore. Change stimulates growth. Oklahoma State gave me a change of scenery and a change of energy.” He further added: “I was putting guys through workouts, and I felt like I had the fire to compete the way I’m asking these guys to compete, so I should probably do that.”

Taylor is relishing the challenge and the chance to make a last impression on the sport as he gets ready for the non-Olympic world championships. His life story serves as an example of what a real fighter looks like.