When it comes to counting the wrestling strategy, Penn State NLWC mentor Cael Sanderson banks on the effort entirely.  “…the No. 1 thing’s effort” the numero uno wrestling coach has disbursed recently, while speaking his mind about the sport that gained him many accolades. Such simple strategies have done wonders as Penn State is fairly looking for another NCAA wrestling title this season. Now, a US Olympic champion has come forward to confess his Cael Sanderson story. 

The wrestler holds special recognition for being a phenomenal national wrestler and a feared UFC fighter. But at this point, he fondly recalled how the Penn State mentor inflicted changes upon his movements that earned him an Olympic gold medal. Here’s his story. 

Tokyo Olympic champion hails Cael Sanderson 

On Friday, Henry Cejudo shared a snippet from his latest YouTube video, “THE REAL WRESTLEMANIA! 2024 NCAA D1 Wrestling Championships PREVIEW!” on his IG handle. The Triple C claimed in it, “He (Cael Sanderson) actually taught me my Olympic finals move that I ended hitting at the Olympic finals”. 

Cejudo holds the rare distinction of being the youngest American wrestler to bring an Olympic gold laurel. In the 2008 Summer Olympics, he won the 55-kilogram wrestling bout at just 21 years. But Henry Cejudo never was at Penn State. Then how did he meet Cael? “I went to train with Cael for about a week and he taught me one thing and then boom”, Henry revealed to satisfy curiosity.

Even that help touched the Olympic champion so deeply that he was ready to change his mentor from Terry Brands to Cael Sanderson at that time. “I would have loved to have trained with Cael Sanderson”, the 37-year-old argued in the snippet. However, he is not the first wrestler who adores the Penn State legend for turning the table by suggesting the right moves. 

The Penn State phenom has admirers in all directions 

Cael Sanderson’s thoughts on wrestling have helped him earn many accolades. A few days ago, when giving away his wisdom among budding wrestlers, Cael said, “Don’t wait for technique, be tough, make it happen”. On such a thinking spree, Penn State’s former member, Quentin Wright, once said, “Cael’s style is very hands-on. He doesn’t raise his voice. He doesn’t yell. He just says, ‘Hey, let’s go wrestle.’”

In Penn State, Cael Sanderson created unforeseen records since he joined in 2009. Wright probably has the reason behind this. “Cael is very smart…he’s very thoughtful and purposeful with everything that he does,” Wright said about his former ‘guru’. Rich Lorenzo, Penn State’s former HC, kept the same thinking on Cael. Henry Cejudo is the latest addition to that list. 

Also read: Is Carter Starocci’s Injury a Roadblock on His Path to Making History in Penn State Wrestling?