NCAA Wrestling Champ Celebrates Paris Olympics 2024 Berth 3 Years After Forced Retirement

Being forced to take a break when their career is at its peak isn’t something that any athlete looks forward to. And yet, the Wolverines’ poster boy Austin Gomez had to spend much of his collegiate life watching his peers from the sidelines. And now, with his latest Pan American Olympic qualifiers triumph over Penn State and NLWC’s Nick Lee, his hopes are suddenly looking brighter than ever.

Austin Gomez recently revealed his aspirations for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Gomez was forced to take an indefinite retirement in 2021 after suffering from major injuries and concussions. Recently, the 2016 Junior Freestyle National Champion delighted his fans after sharing his medical clearance report.

Austin Gomez gets his ticket to the Paris Olympics 2024

University of Michigan’s wrestler Austin Gomez defeated the five-time All-American Nick Lee to move forward to the finals of the 65kg weight class in the Pan Am Olympic qualifiers in Acapulco, Mexico. The news was revealed from Austin Gomez’s official X (formerly Twitter) as the star wrestler tweeted- “Olympian  Big Ten Champ…. NCAA Champ…. See y’all soon! Viva La México!!!” 

Michigan’s star wrestler is just one round away from going to Paris for the Olympic Games. After defeating Lee, Gomez took over the University of North Carolina’s Lachlan McNeil in the semifinals. Following Gomez’s victory, Team USA suffered a major slump to qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024. 

While both 2020 and 2021 went badly due to injuries for him, his sensational comeback is making Mexicans brace up for a podium finish in Europe. During his time at Iowa, Gomez participated in 133 pounds and made 24-7 with four falls, four decisions, and three pins. While Austin opted not to extend his eligibility back then, it looks like the ill-fated days are gone, and the Mexican is all set to represent his country at the Paris Olympics slated to commence in July.

Austin Gomez’s maturity saved his career

Austin Gomez gave a public statement when he paused his eligibility extension for medical hardship and it reflected his mature opinion to recover. Gomez said- “I believe this is the best decision for myself and my wrestling career…I am excited to dive head first into the freestyle scene to accomplish my goals of becoming a World and Olympic Champ.”

Austin Gomez’s ticket to the Paris Olympics expressed that taking a momentary pause in the career doesn’t always distract people. In this case, Gomez decided to recover and practice more for which he returned in his full form. Now it is time for fans to see whether Austin Gomez can finally make Mexico proud at the upcoming Olympics or not.

Read more: Road to Paris 2024: Michigan Wolverines Wrestler Shatters USA’s Olympics Dreams To Pave the Way for His Own