The unthinkable has happened. The Golden Gabe’s path of domination has finally been stopped. With a 67-match winning streak and a mountain of accolades behind him, not many thought Gable Steveson would lose the last fight of his NCAA career. After all, the man in front of him was the no.2 seed who didn’t have a fraction of the titles that Gable boasted. But fate had something cool to show the fans, as in true American fashion the underdog came out the winner in an ecstatic moment. But what does Wyatt Hendrickson, the new champ, have to say?
Well, for that we need to go back to last night on March 22 when the upset happened as Wyatt defeated the unstoppable force known as Gable Steveson. The scoreline read 5-4, but don’t let the numbers fool you. This win was beyond the numbers. Till the last minute, it was Gable who was leading. Yet, in an instant, everything changed. With a thumping takedown, Captain America finally broke through his glass ceiling.
So when the chance for a post-match interview came up, naturally, all eyes were fixed on the new NCAA Heavyweight Champion. As shared by the official YouTube channel of the Oklahoma State Athletics, Hendrickson was asked what it meant to him to beat an Olympic champion in the finals. To that, Hendrickson simply replied, “I’m I’m I’m training as if it’s going to be a war out there a 7-minute match every single time and you know I think when I go out there even if I’m not on my best day but mean today I was pretty freaking good today”
He will forever be known as the man who put an end to Steveson’s run. This will surely inspire him for his next goal to become an Olympian himself. He mentions, “You know it’s just kind of having that confidence and that attitude when you go out there, that mental that you want to be a champion.” But perhaps the biggest change that made him finally win this year is his change of mentality. From the get-go, he tried to rake in as many points as possible. This meant the margin for error was always minimal.
Another thing to note is that the former US Air Force Grappler has a special place in his heart for the US armed forces. Perhaps that’s why he is even called by the nickname of Captain America. He is always willing to support the troops and pay his respects. And that was exactly what he did on his D-day. As the celebration continued for Hendrickson, the young wrestler had a special tribute to pay. And it was none other than the US President, Donald Trump.
Wyatt Hendrickson salutes Trump after capturing the NCAA heavyweight title
Wyatt Hendrickson made his moment on the mat even more memorable by saluting POTUS Donald Trump after pulling off a stunning upset to claim the NCAA Heavyweight title. Moments after defeating Minnesota’s Gable Steveson 5-3 on Saturday night, the Oklahoma State wrestler and former Air Force standout turned toward the US President seated mat-side. And Wyatt delivered a crisp salute as the crowd erupted with chants of “USA, USA.”
Wyatt later shared with ESPN, “He said he was very proud of me.” Draped in an American flag, the 24-year-old shook hands with Trump and shared a quick hug. “Commander-in-chief right there, baby. I was excited to have him here,” Hendrickson added during his post-match press conference. It seems that even before he goes on to the Olympics, his love for his nation is at its peak.
Wyatt, who started his decorated career at the Air Force Academy, is already looking ahead to his future. He plans to train with Cowboy RTC in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in hopes of securing a spot at the 2028 Olympics. And in all probability, when his wrestling career ends, Wyatt will begin his five-year mandatory service commitment to the Air Force. “I’m gonna make a career out of the military regardless,” he shared.
Will be he able to make the 2028 Olympics even with such commitments, that is yet to be seen. But for now, let’s have the champ bask in the glory.
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