In the world of sports, certain traits mark the legends who redefine the game: unyielding dedication, relentless hard work, raw talent, and an unbreakable mentality. Think of the electrifying moments when Cristiano Ronaldo‘s foot meets the ball, or the serene precision of Tiger Woods lining up a putt. Picture the relentless drive of Kobe Bryant or the breathtaking feats of Simone Biles. These giants share a common thread woven through their early years, hinting at the greatness to come.

For sports enthusiasts, witnessing these qualities in a young athlete is like finding a rare gem, sparking dreams of a new era in their beloved sport. This thrill is palpable among wrestling fans whenever Aaron Brooks steps into the arena. At just 24 years old, Brooks is not just a contender; he’s a sensation. His performances leave audiences in awe, his every move echoing the promise of a new legend in the making. The buzz around Brooks is undeniable, with fans convinced they’ve found the next icon of wrestling.

Even before making his official Olympic debut, some consider him as the best pound-for-pound wrestler in the world. His performances are fueled by his huge confidence and faith in his abilities. He knows he has the potential to be the greatest to ever do it, and has embraced the challenge. It started at the age of six when he was ragged around by stronger boys in the arena. He then discussed about his training with his father on his way back home. His father asked him about his ambitions with the sport.  The answer came quite instantly and with clarity rarely seen in a six year old. He said, “I want to be the greatest of all time,” . He said that he was willing to do anything to achieve his dream. Since that day, he has never deterred from his main goal. To conquer everything and everyone in the world of wrestling.

The impressive NCAA triumphs of Aaron Brooks

During his time at North Hagerstown High, Aaron Brooks would start showing unnatural talent. He would go on to win four back to back Maryland State high school titles. The coaches were dumbstruck by the performances he was demonstrating and the way he was dismantling his opponents. During his sophomore year, Brooks gave his coach Greg Slick a hand written note. In the note, Brooks had wrote down his goals. It simply said, “state champ, NCAA champ, world champ.”

He had a major setback in his senior year when he was injured by a broken bone in his foot. The fourth title was in doubt. It would take at least six weeks to recover from this. Instead, Brooks returned in a month and went on to win the title in brilliant fashion in spite of having a metal rod inserted in his foot. It was unnatural and magical. He would go on to choose the Pennsylvania State University wrestling program for his collegiate career. He would instantly garner success there putting together numerous wins. Little did he know that his only defeat to Taylor Venz would change his career trajectory to even greater heights.

In the aftermath of the defeat, assistant coach Casey Cunningham told him that he would need to improve his baseline defense to become world champion. He went on to do just that and exacted revenge from Venz at the Big Ten Championships. He would go on to become a five time all American and four time NCAA champion.

Many wrestlers are afraid to even dream of this feat, yet he made it his reality. He would go on to win the 2024 Hodge trophy as America’s Best Collegiate wrestler, however the best was yet to come.

Other major accomplishments of the US wrestler

Many expected Aaron Brooks to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. It really came as a shock to no one when he ended up doing so. But he carried out the task in such fashion that it was commendable. He defeated reigning Tokyo 2021 gold medalist David Taylor twice in 86 kg category to make his way into the US Olympics wrestling team. It was a special way to qualify for a special talent. After the match he said, “I just told [David] I loved him. He was the heart of this program… our time comes and goes. He’s inspired so many people.”

Brooks now has the chance to prove it to the whole world that he is the best right now. He will be competing in the 86kg category in the Paris Olympics. Many speculate that he will win the gold medal. It’s now his job to stand on business and script history.