Oklahoma State heavyweight wrestler Wyatt Hendrickson made headlines after a stunning victory in the NCAA wrestling championships, where he defeated Olympic champion Gable Steveson. The match, held recently, ended with a close score of 5-4 in favor of Hendrickson, marking what many are calling the biggest upset in NCAA wrestling history.
After his win, Hendrickson, who is also a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force, saluted former President Donald Trump. This moment was captured in a video shared by the Trump White House’s Rapid Response account. As the announcer dubbed him “Captain America,” Hendrickson honored the American flag by draping it over his shoulders before shaking hands with Trump.
In a brief exchange following the match, Hendrickson shared that Trump expressed pride in his achievement. “He said he was very proud of me,” Hendrickson recalled.
Hendrickson attributed his success to his faith, stating, “God was on that mat with me.” He likened his journey to that of David and Goliath, explaining that he believed he could overcome the odds. “I took the gold medal, I’m No. 1,” he said confidently.
The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with Trump receiving a warm welcome, including applause and chants of “USA! USA!” from the crowd as he arrived.
This victory not only highlights Hendrickson’s talent but also his ability to inspire others with his story of perseverance and faith. His win against Steveson, a celebrated wrestler, will be remembered as a remarkable moment in NCAA wrestling history.