“Remain Optimistic”: Aaron Brooks’ Drug Test Mess Could Take Wrestling Gold Favorite Out of Paris Olympics 2024

With just 77 days to go, the wrestling world is filled with uncertainty as excitement for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris grows. Rising sensation Aaron Brooks, who was touted as a strong contender for the golden glory in Paris, is caught up in a drug test fiasco that could ruin his chances of taking part in the Olympics. Numerous enthusiasts are curious about the latest status of Brooks’ drug test: Will Aaron Brooks miss the Olympics in Paris?

The situation has yet to settle. Amid anticipation, in a recent podcast by FloWrestling, host Christian Pyles and wrestling icon Chael Sonnen discussed their opinions. When the Chael Sonnen asked, “Hey, what’s going on with Brooks… I read something that he was hot on a test and it was a clerical error?” In the middle of the turmoil, the host responded, “It’s in the process is what I would say…Yeah. Still, in the process, they remain optimistic.” According to Sonnen, the decision would be made based on who has “administrative authority” over the situation.

Chael Sonnen stated, “I will tell you this, unfortunate or not, it will come down to who had administrative authority. If it’s USAW, they could sweep it like they did Kurt Angle’s growth hormone test in 96. If in Arizona state they can ask that he clear out his locker, but they don’t have to do anything more.” However, Sonnen stated that if WADA has the authority, the situation might have been entirely different. Sonnen continued, “If WADA the world anti-doping agency had administrative authority, Brooks had not competed in the Olympics and there is not a conversation here.”

 Brooks’ doping allegation was revealed a few days back with Pat Mineo, founder of The Wrestling Room, posted to X, “It has been revealed that our 86kg Olympic rep Aaron Brooks allegedly failed testing at last year’s u23 world tournament where he won Gold .” According to Mineo, the outcome of the matter might come by the end of this week. Interestingly, if Brooks is barred from the Olympics, that might bring fortune to an iconic wrestler.

Both Pat Mineo and USA Wrestling have confirmed that if Brooks cannot compete in Paris, David Taylor will represent the nation at 86 kg. The Legendary Penn State wrestler suffered a blow at the Olympic Trials, losing to Brooks twice in a row, forfeiting his opportunity to defend his gold medal. Notably, David shocked many this week by accepting the head coaching job at Oklahoma State. Although he had to face flak for this from another Penn State star, Carter Starocci, Brooks has all but respect for Taylor, even after he defeated the latter.

Full circle moment for Aaron Brooks on way to Paris 2024

At the U.S. Olympic Trials in April, the 23-year-old Hagerstown native flashed his skills in the 86kg class by defeating Taylor in an incredible upset. But Brooks maintained his modesty after winning and expressed gratitude for Taylor’s efforts in the game. Brooks stated, “I just told [David] I loved him,” He continued. “He was the heart of this program… our time comes and goes. He’s inspired so many people.” Brooks’ statement resonates very deeply with the Nittany Lions loyalists.

Aaron Brooks’ win over David Taylor was a full-circle moment for the two wrestlers. The two have trained together under the legendary Nittany Lions coach Cael Sanderson. During those sessions, David has often been instrumental in chalking out the roadmap for budding Brooks. Therefore, the trials brought wrestlers of almost two generations on the mats and Brooks’ win marked the passing of the baton.

“Eventually, if you stick around long enough, you’re going to wrestle people that you’ve helped in the past,” Taylor said about facing Brooks on the mats. The doping controversy has undoubtedly cast a shadow of Brooks carrying the Nittany Lions baton. It remains to be seen if he can come out clear of the charges or if it will be David who will pick up the baton again to hold it high in the Olympic arena.