Being a sportsperson often transcends beyond the court. Popular athletes often become larger-than-life characters who cast their shadows on the larger world outside. Along with becoming revered characters among fans of the sport, many athletes are loved by a wider audience. Celebrity wrestler David “Magic Man” Taylor is one such athlete whose popularity on social media knows no bounds.

According to the latest statistic, David Taylor and two other US wrestlers have made their way into an elite list along with making their mark at this year’s World Wrestling Championship. Kyle Snyder, Kyle Dake, and Taylor are among the most-followed freestyle wrestlers on social media as their achievements continue to speak for themselves.

USA freestyle wrestlers who have wide appeal

Penn State alum David Taylor is easily one of the most coveted names in the country. In his potentially last World Championship, he pinned arch-rival Iran’s Hassan Yazdani to win another gold in the 86kg category at Belgrade. While this is undoubtedly a spectacular feat, a recent Instagram post has revealed that Taylor’s popularity goes well beyond connoisseurs of the mat. The social media post mentions that Taylor is among the most-followed freestyle wrestlers in the world with close to 600,000 followers.

Considering his elaborate career, it shouldn’t come as a surprise either. Along with Taylor, his national teammates Snyder and Dake also have made the list of wrestlers with massive fan following on social media.

Snyder, Ohio State’s blue-eyed boy, has won one of the bronze medals at this year’s World Championship in Belgrade (97kg). He is also followed by 314,000 freestyle wrestling fans. This makes Snyder one of the elite wrestlers who enjoy considerable attention from the global wrestling audience. Cornell University’s Kyle Dake has left Belgrade with a silver medal in the 74kg and also features on the list with 255,000 followers.

Reflection of wrestling rivalry in the war of popularity

While David Taylor is the most cherished name on the list for most Americans, other names will command more recognition. Taylor’s nemesis, Hassan Yazdani, tops the list of freestyle wrestlers with the most following. Yazdani’s sprawling career and achievements have garnered him 3.2 million followers, and we can’t stop being in awe of his crowning glory on social media platforms.

Read more: 10 Years After Beating David Taylor for NCAA Championship, Kyle Dake Crowns Him as “King of the Castle”

Another Iranian, the 23-year-old Amir Mohammad Yazdanicherati, has won another silver in Belgrade and is third on the list and right behind Taylor with 315,000 followers. Tell us which name on the list you look up to the most in the comments below!

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