David Taylor had received an automatic bye into the finals of the U.S. Olympic Trials. But he lost out on the chance to capture another shiny gold in the 86 kg Olympic freestyle after losing out to Aaron Brooks, back-to-back. Shortly after, the 2x defending world champion retired from contention and decided to take a new path—coaching. He is now the nation’s highest-paid freestyle wrestling coach at Oklahoma State. However, his surprise announcement caused quite a stir!
Just 4 months later, the OSU coach will be coming back to competitive wrestling. And he made a triumphant return at the U.S. World Team Trials. While many weren’t fans of this, on September 16, he was what motivated him to make the decision. “But right now, I’m just happy to finish this way, and we’ll see what’s next.” But what is this truly about? “This whole thing was not about going World Championships, that’s not about world title.” The 33-year-old reiterated this is how he always wanted to wrestle.
Taylor continued, “The selfish part of this was I competed. What you just saw there? That’s how I competed my whole life. That’s a selfish side effect. I haven’t wrestled six matches in a long time, you know? So to go wrestle like that every single sing time. I don’t know, you know?” However, he added that you only get one chance to wrestle your last match, so he wanted to do just that. “So I’m going to go to the World Championships,” the 33-year-old coach stated. But do his competitive ambitions affect his coaching gig at the OSU?
It doesn’t, and the wrestler explains how. “I still got to talk to the team. I got a lot of stuff going on; we got a lot of momentum, and we want to be national champions.” In fact, Oklahoma’s Athletic Director, Chad Weiberg, supported the move. “I think it’s a great thing any time that we can put the brand of the program out in the wrestling world.” Taylor stated that his responsibility still lies with them. However, the administration has held the reigns of the team. So, how did he fare at the trials?
David Taylor’s return to competition was a resounding success
In a page right out of a fantasy novel, the “Magic Man” had proven everyone’s doubts wrong. On Saturday, he emerged as a triumphant victor in the 92 kg weight class at the U.S. Senior World Team Trials in Nebraska. The wrestler took on Zahid Valencia in a best-of-three series. Even though he proved himself a formidable foe, things weren’t as smooth sailing in the first match. With this, he has clinched a spot on the Team USA roster for the sixth time and will soon compete in the Senior World Championships in Albania.
Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Do you think David Taylor should prioritize his Oklahoma State responsibilities over representing Team USA?
Yes, it's his job
No, Team USA comes first
He should balance both
It's a tough call
Do you think David Taylor's messy history will affect his wrestling comeback?
Yes
No
Maybe
Not sure
Whats your Perspective on:
Should David Taylor prioritize Team USA or his Oklahoma State Wrestling duties? What's more important for his legacy?
Have an interesting take?
What do you think was the biggest reason David Taylor rediscovered his love for wrestling?
Leaving Penn State
New training environment
Personal growth
Support from family and friends
Who are you most excited to see at Alexis Ohanian's Athlos NYC League?
Gabby Thomas
Faith Kipyegon
Other Track & Field Stars
Not Interested
David Taylor’s OSU squad was just as excited about his retirement reversal. An administrator stated how even after his Olympic Trials heartbreak, his coaching gig helped. “I heard him say that getting this job had reinvigorated his love for wrestling.” While the OSU coach is excited to take over the reins in the NCAA, it doesn’t hurt to watch him live out his dreams. Were you surprised by his shocking announcement?
Debate
Should David Taylor prioritize Team USA or his Oklahoma State Wrestling duties? What's more important for his legacy?