‘One Last Time’: David Taylor Announces Final Update on Wrestling Career from Oklahoma University

It’s finally dawning upon David Taylor that this is indeed the final ride. While the Magic Man couldn’t be part of the USA’s Parisian campaign earlier this year, he’ll have a chance to make amends for that in Albania in two weeks. And the 2020 Olympic gold medalist couldn’t have been more grateful for the opportunity.

In his post on X from October 17, Taylor noted how things in his life have been exciting in recent weeks, especially considering his new adventure as the Oklahoma Cowboys’ head coach. “It has been a unique experience balancing endeavors the past few weeks, but I have never been one to shy from a challenge,” wrote the Penn State alum in his social media update.

He went on to highlight the upcoming tournament, which saw him come out of retirement once again. “One week until I head over to Albania to saddle up one last time,” the post reads. Along with his excitement, Taylor also underscored how this journey would be impossible without having people rally for his cause with vehement support. “Grateful for the support from the cowboy community, our team, coaches and my family,” he acknowledged earnestly.

Over the years, Taylor has established himself as one of the best wrestling stars to come out of the USA. As he shared details of his preparation for the 33rd Olympic Games, the ex-NLWC star also made it clear that nothing but being the best motivates him to keep pushing. The name David Taylor evokes certain respect within the country and he’s willing to put in the hours to pay heed to his celebrity status. But the big dream was met with an insurmountable hurdle.

At the Olympic team trials in April this year, Taylor was handed a defeat by his Penn State junior Aaron Brooks in an unprecedented turn of events. The loss made the fans gasp but Davis accepted the reality for what it was: a possible curtain call. However, that didn’t mean that his involvement with wrestling would be foregone entirely either. Instead, the two-time NCAA champ took up his new office at OSU, which was desperate to regain its elite status within the collegiate wrestling circuit. But the decision didn’t come without its woes.

David Taylor’s recent bumpy ride waiting for a grand finish

David Taylor’s move to the NCAA rival camp ticked off a lot of people over at Penn State who felt as if they were betrayed. Four-time NCAA gold medalist Carter Starocci openly criticized the Olympian for the decision and didn’t mince words when it came to speaking his true feelings about it. While Brooks wasn’t as harsh with his statements on the matter, it was clear he wasn’t thrilled about Taylor’s new job either. More Penn State staff also came with their sneers about how Taylor would just have to accept his alma mater’s superiority when it comes to NCAA wrestling.

But the Magic Man kept his eye on the prize and the folks over at OSU also did their best to ensure David Taylor felt motivated in his new office. Now, as the national sensation wrestler turns his sight to Tirana, Albania for the 2024 Non-Olympic World Championships, his potential clash against Russian heavyweight Abdulrashid Sadulaev is making his fans hold their breath about what’s on the menu for them as wrestling connoisseurs.

The prospect of seeing the two 2020 Olympic gold medalists lock horns is understandably scintillating, and we hope for nothing but the best display of skills on the mat by both of these veteran stars. Who would be your pick among these two stellar performers? Tell us with a comment!