David Taylor’s life since April has been on a seesaw of adventures. However, the adventurous ride began in a rather glum way. In mid-April, Taylor was one of the wrestlers to compete in the US Olympic Trials for his spot on the Paris Olympics team. On first look, this looked like an easy win for Taylor, considering he was going against Aaron Brooks. An opponent David is very familiar with.

In 2023, Taylor went against Aaron and went on to beat him twice in a row. So, the trials seemed like a no-brainer for Taylor. But that was, unfortunately, the moment history decided to throw a curveball. At the trials, Aaron Brooks went on to beat Taylor twice in a row. Soon after, Taylor felt like he had lost the fire in him somewhere along the way. He went on to announce his retirement from competitive wrestling. But what did he feel to quit the sport that he loves so much?

As David Taylor himself puts it, “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.” It was at this point that he decided to step into the role of head coach at Oklahoma State University. Soon after he did, Taylor was met with something unexpected. He serendipitously rediscovered his love for the sport. As Taylor likes to say, “Change stimulates growth.” It sure does in the case of Taylor!

The new environment brought a new sense of purpose, too. “Oklahoma State gave me a change of scenery and a change of energy and excitement, rather than being somebody who’s just being put through workouts,” added Taylor. OSU had managed to give Taylor the space he needed to be inspired again. So, how exactly did this change in perception happen?

“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,” says David Taylor. And just like that, the wrestling world found itself on the cusp of Taylor’s anticipated comeback! Now, with the World Championships just around the corner, Taylor has made a make-or-break move. A move that inspires not just confidence but the willingness to take risks in OSU students.

Taylor, for the championships, made a switch from 86 to 92 kilograms. As the championship in Tirana, Albania, approaches from October 28 to 31, Taylor’s journey has come full circle. He has wrestled his way out from the depths of despair to the brink of competing on a world stage once more. But the road ahead is not going to be easy!

The Worlds sets the stage for the most coveted match!

As David Taylor puts on his singlet again, all eyes are on the potential match against Abdulrashid Sadulaev. Now, this could be the greatest match in history, with two legends going up against each other. While Taylor is a three-time World Champion, going up against Sadulaev means battling a five-time world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist. This long-time dream match comes true, not just for fans but for Taylor as well.

Talking about the same, Taylor even went on to say, “We have very different styles. His counter offense, gut wrenches, and chest raps are the best in the world. My offensive leg grabs are at a very high level, so it’s his best attributes versus mine. It’s going to come down to who executes.” With Sadulaev dropping down from 97 kg and coming head-to-head with Taylor regardless of the outcome, it will be a great match. But the Worlds is not just the clash of these two titans!

The competition for 92 kg gets much more fierce. Another name to note in the list of competitors is Kamran Ghasempour of Iran. Adding to the intrigue, Ghasempour also happens to be the reigning World champion. The mats will also see season wrestlers, including Batyrbek Tsakulov and Miriana Maisuradze. Each match is going to be the crème de la crème of wrestling, coming face-to-face with strategy and skill and a goal to win.

While David Taylor has his eyes on gold, he knows just as well as the world that it is going to be a challenging path ahead. As the clock ticks and the countdown begins, Taylor is all set to donne his singlet and show the world that the “Magic Man’s” tricks are far from over!