Road to Paris: Honoring Penn State, Wrestler David Taylor Recalls 15 Years of Glory With Fans

The reigning Olympic wrestling gold medalist, David Taylor, needs no introduction in his realm. The 86kg champion has conquered stages just right on his path from Penn State to the one most coveted of all. Today, after three years of attaining the career pinnacle, the 3-time world champion is looking to repeat history at Paris 2024 with Olympic trials marking the commencement.

On the road to retaining his title, David Taylor will be joining fellow wrestlers at the team trials in April. In doing so, excitement soars in double for the champion, as the venue will persist in offering a chance to relive moments where the journey etched a beginning.

David Taylor shares excitement for the familiar crowd ahead

David Taylor has held an impressive record for his collegiate career (2009-2014) owning two NCAA championships, 3X all-American, and more. Almost a decade since his dominance on the collegiate mats, the Olympian will now be back before the Penn State crowd, performing in hopes of a second title. “A lot of people here have been a part of my journey and it’s exciting to kinda come full circle,” Taylor remarked as he watched his alma mater take on the Rutgers on Monday. With much on stake, the world champion seems all prepared to tackle the challenge of navigating the path to the pinnacle.

“It’s a great opportunity. I am blessed to be in a great situation here in 2024. I feel healthy, I feel strong, and I am looking forward to competing,” he further added, speaking of trials and Paris 2024. The thought presents a long way for David Taylor, who suffered an injury, held thoughts of retirement, and came back to be on a path to secure a record.

The champion braves the road to Paris 2024

It was in 2019 that David Taylor suffered a knee injury that kept him from retaining his world title. However, three years later, he was back to prove his dominance as he clinched the 2022 Championship. But while the success offered a moment of satisfaction, it also stood to present an ‘all-stages conquered’ situation for the Olympian. “I just didn’t know if I wanted to do it anymore,” he told NBC Sports. He further added it was even hard to train all year because of the injury, thus engulfing his thoughts of retirement numerous times.

Also Read: Olympic Wrestling Champion David Taylor Caught Off Guard by an Unexpected Opponent, Forced to Concede a Takedown

However, Taylor braved to come back strong for the 2023 Championship announcing his continued presence. Now, keeping up with the momentum, if the Olympian were to dominate the trials and the Paris 2024 games, he would become only the third US wrestler to win back-to-back Olympics. Currently, training at Penn State for the April 19-20 showdown, David Taylor looks optimistic.

WATCH STORY – I Can Wrestle With Anybody Anytime: The Unranked Purdue Wrestler Proved His Boast