David Taylor didn’t depart his sneakers in the midst of the mats after developing brief in his bid to win a second Olympic gold medal however his aggressive profession has come to an finish.
On Friday, the two-time NCAA champion and 2020 Olympic champ was formally launched as the brand new head coach for the Oklahoma State wrestling group. Taylor takes over for legendary two-time Olympic gold medalist John Smith, who coached at Oklahoma State for the previous 33 years earlier than asserting his retirement in April.
Taylor accepted the job simply weeks after he got here up brief from representing the USA on the 2024 Olympics in Paris following back-to-back losses to fellow Penn State wrestler Aaron Brooks. Whereas Taylor had beforehand contemplated a potential future in MMA after wrestling was completed, he finally determined to step right into a full-time teaching position at one of many prime schools within the sport.
“I knew in 2024 this was going to be it for me as a competitor,” Taylor mentioned during his introductory press conference. “I believe after 2021, it was actually troublesome. Each determination that I made in my life was to be an Olympic champion. Each determination.
“After the Olympics, [I realized] effectively the following one is three years down the street. It’s shut. I can win a second [gold medal] and I believe my inside hearth to try this began to dwindle slightly bit. It confirmed. However I imagine in my efficiency within the Olympic trials. It’s like ‘how do you’re feeling about that?’ Actually, I’m at peace with it. As a result of I did all the things I wished to do in my profession. The whole lot and extra.”
At 33, Taylor probably solely had yet another Olympic cycle remaining however after he did not make the 2024 group, his choices to proceed in wrestling had been in all probability restricted.
Even earlier than the newest Olympic trials, Taylor had began studying increasingly more about MMA whereas working with head coach Marc Montoya at his Manufacturing facility X health club in Colorado.
Regardless of curiosity in probably combating, Taylor simply couldn’t cross up on the chance to take over a prime program like Oklahoma State after Smith produced 5 group championships and 33 particular person NCAA Division I Nationwide Champions.
“I simply realized as my profession got here to an finish, I wished to pour into the following era of children,” Taylor mentioned. “I imagine that is the best way that I can do it, to one of the best of my potential.
“My journey as a competitor is finished however my journey now as a coach is now simply getting began.”
