U.S. Wrestling royalty David Taylor sent shockwaves earlier this week when he announced plans to participate in the World Team Trials. The former Olympic champion had opened a new chapter as the wrestling coach at Oklahoma State University after failing to make the Olympic team for Paris. So, the sudden announcement drew equal measures of admiration and criticism.

Many wrestled and thought that Taylor’s actions were unfair toward his new pupils at OSU. “I think it’s a bad look. You take one of the three biggest jobs in the country and you’re not doing it full-time?” one fan commented after the announcement went live on social media. They argued that splitting time between competing and coaching would cause more harm than good.

However, David Taylor has a different opinion as he prepares to represent the USA and OSU on the world stage after winning the team trials. Taylor spoke to the media during a press conference on Wednesday in Stillwater. There he discussed how his competitive drive has helped the students at Cowboy Wrestling. “I just did the workouts with the guys. They got to see a different level from me, and it raised their level,” the 33-year-old told the media.

The former Nittany Lions Wrestling Club member revealed how the wrestler under his tutelage reacted when he spoke about competing. “Once I said ‘Hey, I’m thinking about wrestling,’ they showed a different level,” revealed the former world champion. Standouts such as Dustin Plott, DJ Hamiti, Cody Merrill, and others put more effort into the session.

Despite David Taylor being a relatively new face at OSU, there was a silent understanding between the coach and his pupils. Once they learned that their coach would compete again, even the students tried to push Taylor’s limits. OSU’s Athletic Director, Chad Weidberg, shared a similar outlook on Taylor’s decision to compete.

Instead of doubting the highest-paid freestyle wrestling coach in the USA, Weidberg showed optimism. “For our team here to see him competing and doing the things to get ready to compete, it only makes what’s happening in our room better,” said Weidberg. According to Taylor’s latest statement, it seems the Athletic Director’s prediction was spot on. However, how Taylor won the team trials also boosted the Cowboys’ confidence in their coach.

David Taylor proved the doubters wrong

Besides the surprise announcement, the former Penn State wrestler also revealed that he would be moving up a weight class. While Taylor had earned one Olympic medal and three World Championship golds in the 86 kg category, he moved to 92 kg for the U.S. World Team Trials. It didn’t take long for doubters to count out the wrestling legend against Zahid Valencia.

Although Taylor had defeated Valencia in 2022, many thought the 27-year-old would get the better of the former World Champion, especially after Taylor’s recent loss to Aaron Brooks. However, the Magic Man had no intention of losing to his younger rival. As anticipated, Taylor and Valencia faced off in the 92 kg finals, and the Olympic gold medalist swept the challenger.

Despite staying ahead in the first round, Taylor closed the gap and ended it with a 3-3 score on the card. However, the Magic Man brought his best in round two, handing Valencia a 4-0 defeat. David Taylor won the 2024 team trial in OSU colors. We’ll have to see if the wrestlers from Cowboy Wrestling Club truly reach a new level, but there’s no denying that Taylor has made a strong statement.