Aaron Brooks once again proved why Penn State is considered one of the best wrestling programs in the country. Winning bronze at the 33rd Olympic Games, the 24-year-old showed that one fumble doesn’t define his abilities. However, he’s also convinced about one thing: he shouldn’t let the success get to his head. Instead, the ex-NLWC star wants to continue setting an example through his own deeds.

As a member of the elite league of student-athletes who have four NCAA gold medals under their belt, Aaron sharpened his skills under the legendary Cael Sanderson. Understandably, the Maryland native has developed a mindset that helps him rise above every challenge thrown at him. And this time too, Aaron isn’t getting blinded by the glimmer of his own feats in the City of Love.

Aaron Brooks keeps his head above waters

In a recent YouTube upload by the official USA Wrestling account, Brooks can be heard talking about why keeping grounded is an essential part of his outlook. When asked how the weight of the Olympic medal has felt around his neck, Brooks smiled and admitted it’s a lot to wrap his head around. Moreover, he noted that staying level-headed at such a time is crucial. “I don’t think I let it sink in because, I know it’s vanity at the end of the day,” said the wrestler claiming that it’s instead the legacy you leave behind that defines you.

However, he still had to acknowledge that the whole experience was special and it did feel great to be an Olympic champion. “…but it’s cool I’ll tell you that,” Aaron nodded his head and also grinned as he revealed that finding out the medal was so heavy actually surprised him. Still, for him, being an example to others through leading his colleagues is the ultimate honor. Noting how great athletes don’t have to boast above their achievements themselves, Brooks let out a shy chuckle, underscoring that getting better is the one goal that he keeps looking at.

From his words, it’s evident that Brooks loves what he does and will continue to polish his skills as long as he can. It’s also probably this iron will that’s helped him rack up so many feathers for his cap.

A seminal run comes to an end

While wrestling for North Hagerstown High School, Brooks is a four-time Maryland State champ. He was also named the 2018 National High School Coaches Association Wrestler of the Year and boasts an impressive 163-2 record at the NHHS. Signing for Penn State, he showed the nation why Cael Sanderson chose him to add depth to the school’s attacking roster. An All-Amercian as a Freshman, Aaron became a Big Ten gold medalist in only his second year with the NLWC. In the last season, he also amassed a perfect 22-0 record with six victories by pinning his opponents. 20 out of these 22 matches were won with bonus points.

At this year’s NCAA Championships, Brooks went 5-0 to win his fourth national title. At the US Olympic Team Trials in April, he also pulled off an incredible straight-set victory against the defending Olympic champ David “Magic Man” Taylor to punch his ticket to Paris. Considering just how good these past 12 months have been, not many people expected Aaron to crash out of the semis. Falling to his Bulgarian opponent’s greater experience at international tournaments, Brooks looked shaken. But he came back strong and showed his salt by beating Javrail Shapiev of Uzbekistan 5-0 and winning bronze.

Now, the only question that remains is what the French capital will teach Aaron Brooks and how he will apply those lessons?