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Coaching is among the most essential things in sports. Even though hard work, talent, and skills play a vital role in transforming the athlete’s future in the game, a coach is also essential not only from a game perspective but also for the athlete himself. While many athletes prefer to be self-coach, some consider taking help from coaches. The American wrestling scenario recently witnessed the tie between a budding sensation and his mentor.

There is no such feeling as helping tiny steps to make a solid footing and then watching them come back to you mightier. A story of the same kind recently unfolded at the University of Michigan.  

Now and then, the bond remains intact 

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Kevin Jackson was an Olympic gold medalist in 1992. After a successful wrestling career, he decided to transfer the skills acquired over the years to the younger generation. Eventually, Kevin Jackson opted for coaching at the University of Michigan. During his initial days of coaching, he met a little kid who had the caliber to achieve something big in life. Jackson not only ignited the fire inside this child but also initiated his training process. Years after, life came a full circle for the coach when that small kid, Gauge Botero, committed to the University of Michigan only to reunite with his mentor.

Seed King recently posted on their X a set of ‘Now and Then’ images of Botero and Jackson while also highlighting Bottero’s commitment to the university. In a recent tweet by Seed King, it was captioned as, “How it started / How it’s going CoachKJ.” Another tweet by the same reads, “Gage Botero, #56 on JR Big Board, commits to @umichwrestling . State Champ, Fargo 7th, NHSCA 3rd.”

Not only did Kevin provide exceptional mentorship support to Gauge, but he also helped him shift his career toward wrestling. In addition, he also guided him to achieve various championships with the right strategies. 

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Achievements on the Plate of Gauge Botero 

With the coaching support of Kevin, Gauge Botero clinched AAU Scholastic Duals 2023 this week in the 120-weight class. He also grabbed first place at the 2023 Junior National Duals-Gre, High School Boys Season, and PAUSAW Freestyle and Greco Dowin championships in the Boys Junior Category. 

Read more: USA’s Premier Wrestling Club Flaunts Their World Champion “Titans” Months Ahead of Olympic Trials

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Botero is already on his way under the guidance of his Olympic champion mentor. The saga of the bond between the wrestler and his mentor continues. Hopefully, the lineup of accolades will also continue for the duo. For any sportsperson in the world, the Olympic arena remains the most coveted dream. With a coach like Jackson at his dispense, Botero will undoubtedly aim for that. We keep our fingers crossed for the magic to work!

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