Were you just as enthralled by the 2024 Paris Olympics as we were? USA wrestling always dominated the world’s grandest stage. In fact, their reign lasted for 56 years. No, you’re not seeing things. It really had been 56 years since they left the Olympics without a gold medal in men’s freestyle. And Kyle Snyder had set out on a path to clinch his third Olympic medal in the French capital. But even though he’d embarked on this journey before, it doesn’t always make it easier, does it?

Leading up to the Games, the wrestler boldly claimed that the American wrestling team could snag six golds this year. His words did nothing but emphasize how pumped his team was after the intense training routine they underwent. On the other hand, the Olympian was as confident as ever because his body was in peak condition. However, his hopes came crashing down when the team left the French capital without medals. If you thought this would be the last time you’d see the 28-year-old, then you’d be mistaken.

Kyle Snyder is not done just yet

Do you miss the wrestling thrill from the Paris Olympics? Well, fret not! The Bill Farrell Memorial International is underway at the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan, New York City. But if that’s not exciting enough, this might bring your spirits up. Amid a stellar lineup of Senior World Team members and Olympians, Kyle Snyder is set to blow the community away on the mat. USA Wrestling shared the surprise announcement on X, captioned, “Olympic & World champion @Snyder_man45 has returned to the mat for the first time since the 2024 Olympic Games!”

But here’s the kicker. The wrestler has made it to the Bill Farrell Memorial finals, taking place today! For those not in the know, the event is held in honor of National Wrestling Hall of Fame member Bill Farrell. The iconic coach led the 1972 freestyle team to a historic performance at the Olympics. The team had crème de la crème like Wayne Wells, Dan Gable, and Ben Peterson. Not only was Farrell a great leader, but he was also a true visionary who left an indelible mark on the sport.

3x World Champion Kyle Snyder will lock horns with his compatriot and past U.S. Open Champion Michael Macchiavello in the 97 kg finals today. But here’s what makes this particular event a treat. The wrestler has only ever contested at the event once before. The last time he was at the Bill Farrell was in 2019. Additionally, the 28-year-old seldom competes in the United States. However, this will also be his first time back since the 2024 Paris Olympics. How did he fare at the games?

The wrestler’s gold medal dreams came to a crushing end in Paris

Kyle Snyder was confident of Team USA’s chances in the French capital. Yet, things seemed to look grim from the very beginning, and eventually, the nation’s hopes of medaling fell on the wrestler’s shoulders. Even though he trudged on to the men’s freestyle 97 kg semifinals, that’s where things unraveled. 

Undefeated until then, he held a perfect 3-0 record. In his bout with Akhmed Tazhudinov, the 28-year-old started out strong, leading the fight 1-0. However, by the end of the first period, Tazhudinov was up 2-1 and continued to hold on to a strong lead throughout the rest of the period. The American couldn’t keep up and moved on to wrestle for an Olympic bronze. The wrestler has racked up an impeccable record throughout his illustrious career. Yet, by the looks of it, Olympic hardware was just never meant to be in Paris.

Kyle Snyder locked horns with Amirali Azarpira for the bronze, but the opponent struck first with a reattack single-leg takedown. However, during the bout, the 28-year-old suffered a cut on the forehead, leading to a handfight throughout the first period. In the second period, Azaripur and Snyder both earned a point, bringing the tally to 3-1. By the end of the match, he lost 4-1, leaving without a medal. As he rises to the occasion on the mat yet again, how will he fare at the Bill Farrell Memorial International?