Minnesota has long been a breeding ground for athletic superstars, and among them stands Gable Steveson, a name practically synonymous with wrestling excellence. As a celebrated Olympic gold medalist and a former University of Minnesota wrestling star, Steveson’s incredible legacy is forever etched in the annals of the sport. While his departure from college wrestling marked the end of an era, recently, something happened that brought him back to the campus. Not on a wrestling mat, but he was seen swinging on the gymnastics pole. Well, surprisingly enough! Everyone wondered, why?

After leaving the college wrestling mats, Steveson’s return to Minnesota was anything but expected, marked by a truly surprising twist that immediately captured the attention of sports fans everywhere! In a viral Instagram post from GopherSports just yesterday, May 29, 2025, with the caption, “The crossover you didn’t know you needed,” the world got a peek at something unbelievable. 

So what happened? Well, Steveson and his teammate Max McEnelly engaged in a unique crossover with the University of Minnesota’s gymnastics team! Under the expert guidance of Mya Hooten and Lauren Pearl, Steveson bravely attempted a range of gymnastics moves—from bars and poles to intricate floor exercises—showcasing a side of his athleticism rarely, if ever, seen before.

The video, which quickly spread like wildfire, highlighted Steveson’s sheer determination as he tackled the precision and grace required in gymnastics, a stark, fascinating contrast to the raw strength and strategy of wrestling. While he managed some moves with impressive form, others proved challenging, leading to moments of both triumph and endearing struggle and laughter.

This whole event wasn’t just a test of his physical capability but a mutual crossover fun exercise. Yet it showed a powerful testament to Steveson’s willingness to step way outside his comfort zone, embracing a new sport with the same fervor that defined his wrestling career.

The collaboration between Minnesota’s wrestling and gymnastics programs underscored a broader theme of athletic versatility and incredible team spirit, raising exciting questions about the potential for such cross-disciplinary initiatives in the future. What does this tell us about the evolving landscape of college sports? Well, while Gable was at it, the Olympic champion was also gearing up for something big in August!

Gable Steveson’s big fight with Craig Jones is nearing

Well, Gable Steveson is set for a monumental challenge that has the combat sports world buzzing! In a truly surprising move, on August 16-17, 2025, Steveson will step onto a completely different battlefield: The Craig Jones Invitational (CJI 2), where he’ll face none other than submission grappling guru Craig Jones.

This isn’t just any match; it’s a clash of titans, pitting Steveson’s unparalleled freestyle wrestling prowess against Jones’s cunning Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise. The sheer audacity of this showdown is thrilling, promising to redefine the landscape of grappling. Steveson’s preparation for this fight comes after his recent viral foray into gymnastics, showcasing a shocking versatility and readiness to tackle anything.

The stakes are incredibly high for Steveson, who’s rigorously adapting his wrestling skills to submission grappling’s intricate nuances. Jones, a two-time ADCC medalist, presents a formidable opponent. Steveson’s diverse athletic background highlights his mental and physical resilience, qualities crucial for this bout. All eyes are on Steveson to see if he can translate his Olympic dominance into a victory in this brand-new arena. Can the wrestling phenom conquer the grappling master?