Ohio State’s star wrestler and 2022 World Cup winner Kollin Moore had a not-so-pleasant surprise for the wrestling community. After living and breathing wrestling for 22 years, the 2018 U23 World Championships silver medalist “officially” closed the curtains on his wrestling career. “I leave with no regrets and with my head held high!” wrote the 27-year-old.

The veteran wrestler had a long and fruitful career earning numerous national and international medals. The wrestler thanked his coaches, for “giving me the chance of a lifetime, always believing in me, and always pushing me forward.” Moore thanked his teammates for “keeping him humble,” and finally his family and fiancé for always being by the wrestler’s side.

Moore’s decision comes just weeks after the 2024 Olympic Trials. The Ohio State Buckeyes member gave it his best shot to qualify for Paris but fell short. Kollin Moore reached the Challenger Finals, where he lost to Isaac Trumble, bowing out of the competition before the Olympic Trials Finals – Round 1. At 27, Moore has decided to shift his focus elsewhere.

However, while the news may have upset fans Kollin Moore won’t abandon wrestling entirely. “I started wrestling when I was just 5 years old,” wrote the 2x NCAA Divison 1 medalist, and is grateful for everything that the sport gave him. However, Moore, who has already been coaching young wrestlers, wants to pursue it full-time.

“Moving forward I will be taking the role as the Ohio RTC coach and will put all my effort into helping athletes reach NCAA, World, and Olympic titles!!” wrote the Junor World Championships gold medalist. While bittersweet, the announcement yet again showed Kollin Moore’s popularity in the wrestling community. While fans and fellow wrestlers were sad to see him retire from competition they also expressed excitement.

Fans and fellow competitors celebrated Kollin Moore

After watching the Buckeyes star wrestle on the mat for years, everyone one young fans to rising stars congratulated Moore. While no one was happy to see the 27-year-old competitive career come to an end without an Olympic appearance, they felt optimistic about the future. “Congrats Kollin! Appreciate you man.” commented fellow wrestler U20 rising wrestling star Bo Bassett. The Bishop McCort Catholic Academy wrestler felt excited to see Moore in a new role.

Others also choose to celebrate Kollin Moore’s career and see him pass his knowledge down to a new generation. “Congrats my man,” wrote 2024 Olympian Spencer Lee. Lee and Moore competed together at the 2024 Olympic Trials. Although in different weight classes, the Olympian admired the experienced wrestler. However, many fans couldn’t help but express sadness.

“Congratulations on an outstanding career brother. The sport will miss you dearly! Big things ahead!!” wrote one fan in a bittersweet farewell to Koilln Moore. One long-time fan recounted how watching Kollin Moore compete was a highlight for him. “I enjoyed all your great matches throughout college. You did very well after college as well.” However, the fan is ready to support the wrestler in his new role as Coach Moore. “Congratulations!!” the follower wrote.

One of Kollin Moore’s Ohio State team also congratulated the 27-year-old. “Grateful to be a part of it since the boys were in room 7106 in 2014. Congrats on a hell of a career brother,” wrote 3x All-American Kaleb Romero. While the wrestling community may not have been ready to bid goodbye to Kollin Moore the competitor, they are excited to welcome him as a coach.