Wyatt Hendrickson Stuns Gable Steveson, Salutes Trump After NCAA Wrestling Title Win
In a night filled with electrifying moments at the NCAA wrestling championships, Wyatt Hendrickson of Oklahoma State pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent memory, defeating Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson to claim the heavyweight title. His victory was not only a career-defining moment but also a patriotic spectacle, as he saluted former President Donald Trump after securing his win.
A Shocking Upset in the Heavyweight Division
Hendrickson, a former Air Force Academy wrestler and current second lieutenant, faced off against Minnesota’s Gable Steveson, a two-time national champion and the 2020 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling. With Steveson leading 3-2 and only 25 seconds left, Hendrickson executed a brilliant maneuver, grabbing Steveson’s right leg and executing a decisive takedown to claim victory with a final score of 5-3.
The Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia erupted in cheers as Hendrickson, draped in an American flag, looked towards the crowd and delivered a crisp salute to Trump, who was sitting mat-side. The crowd responded with chants of “USA, USA”, making the moment even more memorable.
A Meeting with the 47th President
Following his incredible win, Hendrickson shook hands and shared a brief hug with Trump. In his post-match interview with ESPN, the 24-year-old wrestler revealed their exchange:
“He said he was very proud of me,” Hendrickson said. “He came here to support his troops. I put on a show for him, I wanted that national title.”
Trump was not alone in the arena; he was accompanied by DOGE chief Elon Musk and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). Their presence added to the intensity and significance of the championship atmosphere.
Hendrickson’s Wrestling and Military Journey
Nicknamed “Captain America”, Hendrickson had a standout career at the United States Air Force Academy, where he became an All-American wrestler. However, due to eligibility restrictions, he couldn’t use his fifth year at Air Force. Instead, he received permission to transfer to Oklahoma State for his final season. His decision paid off with an NCAA championship victory.
With his collegiate career now concluded, Hendrickson has his sights set on competing for a spot in the 2028 Olympics while training with the Cowboy RTC in Stillwater, Oklahoma. However, his military commitment remains firm—after retiring from wrestling, he will serve a mandatory five-year term in the Air Force.
“I’m gonna make a career out of the military regardless,” Hendrickson affirmed. “This is just part of the journey for me.”
What’s Next for Hendrickson?
After his monumental victory, Hendrickson will continue to train and compete at the highest levels of wrestling. His next goal? A shot at Olympic glory in 2028. With his dedication, discipline, and skill, he could become a major force in international wrestling while still honoring his commitment to the U.S. Air Force.
His NCAA title win will be remembered as one of the greatest underdog stories in wrestling history—a soldier, wrestler, and patriot standing tall on the national stage.
Final Thoughts
Wyatt Hendrickson’s victory is more than just a wrestling triumph; it’s a story of perseverance, patriotism, and commitment. From his days at Air Force Academy to becoming an NCAA champion, his journey exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated athlete and serviceman.
With a salute to Trump, chants of “USA”, and a championship belt around his waist, Hendrickson’s night was nothing short of legendary.
Stay tuned for more updates on NCAA wrestling, Olympic qualifiers, and the latest in sports news!
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