David Taylor’s shocking defeat against Aaron Brooks at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials marked the end of a dominant run that spanned over half a decade. The defending Olympic champion lost his crown even before taking it to Paris and swiftly pivoted to becoming a wrestling coach. However, just four months after missing out on the Olympics, Taylor returned to competition.

Raising many eyebrows, the Olympic medalist announced he would try out for the 2024 World Championships in September. Despite several fan experts doubting the move, the newly appointed Oklahoma Cowboys coach proved his championship mettle by making it to the U.S. squad. However, Taylor truly turned doubts into praise after earning bronze at Tirana, Albania.

“He’s the best. (A) Great ambassador of the sport. Has won at the highest levels and lost at high levels, where he handled the losses with respect and humility.” commented one fan on a clip of the 33-year-old post-match interview with David Taylor. What made Taylor’s retirement match even more memorable was the quality of the competition he faced.

Despite getting off to a rough start against Iran’s Kamran Ghasempour. Although wrestling at 92 kg, the former 86 kg Olympic champion got the better of the former world champion in the bronze medal match. However, Taylor’s victory didn’t just inspire respect from the fans but also excitement for his future at OSU. “He will do great at Okie State,” added the fan.

Other wrestling enthusiasts came to a similar conclusion. “Gonna miss watching him compete, but it’ll be fun to see what he does in Stillwater,” commented an X user who seemed excited to see if David Taylor will replicate his success as a wrestling competitor, but this time as the Oklahoma Cowboys’ coach. However, this wasn’t the outlook when Magic Man announced his return to competitive wrestling.

How David Taylor’s performance changes the fans’ perception

When the 33-year-old OSU wrestling coach announced he would compete at the World Championships, many thought he was abandoning the young talent at OSU. “I think it’s a bad look. You take one of the three biggest jobs in the country and you’re not doing it full-time???” one fan commented when Magic Man first made the announcement.

In fact, it seemed only a handful, including the university, were the only ones supporting the three-time world champion. Magic Man took the helm as the Cowboys’ head coach after signing a six-year contract with a massive $7.45 million package. So it was surprising that many fans thought Taylor should stick to coaching responsibilities.

However, David Taylor’s decisive victories over Abubakr Abakarov, Lars Schäfle, and Kamran Ghasempour to earn his fifth World Championship medal changed the public perception. “Nothing but respect for this man, been watching him through high school college and professional. Couldn’t be more happier to see him in orange and black and love what it can do for the sport!! Much Love DT!!” commented one longtime.

“What an amazing wrestler, he was (the) best US wrestler which I saw. He won his biggest rivalry and was p4p for (a) period, he was better than any other US legend since Sanderson who didn’t beat his strongest opponents,” commented another fan who heaped praise on Magic Man. These comments echoed the same belief that OSU’s Athletics Director Chad Weidberg showed in Taylor.

“For our team here to see him competing and doing the things to get ready to compete, it only makes what’s happening in our room better,” claimed the Oklahoma State Vice President. And while many fans now agree with Weidberg, some are still cautiously optimistic. “Words of a man that money swayed, BUT the dude still wants to go,” commented one fan.

Despite David Taylor’s success, the fans thought the World Championships also served as a distraction. “Does it mess with OSU? Sure, but only for a few years, and they’ll still get the best out of him,” added the fan on a skeptical yet optimistic note. Yet, what are your views? Let us know in the comments.