Wyatt Hendrickson’s rise to the top of the wrestling world hit a thrilling peak in 2025 when he pulled off one of the biggest upsets in NCAA history. In a nail-biting finish, the Oklahoma champ defeated Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in the last second by 5-4. He even claimed the NCAA heavyweight championship, earning him a perfect 27–0 season that not only gave him bragging rights but also earned him the coveted Dan Hodge Trophy, awarded to the most superior wrestler in the country.

But Wyatt’s story doesn’t stop there. He has also shown himself on the international scene, having won the U23 World Championship and defeating top wrestlers from nations such as Russia, Iran, and Turkey. For example, he defeated powerful opponents in the weight category of 125 kg, including Turkey’s Adil Misirci in the finals, to take home the gold medal. Now a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, Wyatt nearly missed this path altogether. He was hesitant about the Academy—until his dad, Todd Hendrickson, convinced him to go for it. That one push changed everything. Know all about Captain America’s parents.

Who is Wyatt Hendrickson’s father?

Captain America, Wyatt Hendrickson, was born to Todd Hendrickson on January 13, 2001. Todd, who also wanted to go to the Naval Academy but couldn’t get admission due to an eye disease, has always supported his son. As per the Oklahoman, when Wyatt got a letter from the military, he threw it away, his dad screamed at him, and even took out the letter from the trash can. As she put it, “When I got my letter from the Air Force Academy, I actually threw it away.” Why so? Because, “I never thought I’d want to go to the military at all,” he added.

“My dad was in his bedroom. He heard me say Air Force, and he came screaming out —I’ve never seen him run so fast,” the wrestling champion recalled the incident. In fact, his father wanted his son to go to the military and even explained the benefits of going to a military academy. Being a father, Todd did everything he could to keep his son going. But Todd Hendrickson was the one who pulled his son back into wrestling when he was feeling low.

As per What’s confession in a YouTube video, he said, “There were times in my wrestling career where I was getting a little bit tough, you know, maybe.” The Oklahoman wrestling champ further added, “I wasn’t doing so good, and I wanted to give up, and my dad just always motivated me to keep pushing through it, and so, you know, in the end, it was all worth it.” And it wouldn’t be wrong to say that serving the country was in his blood. Because his grandfather was also in the US Navy, Wyatt’s father also wanted to follow the same path.

“You know, we knew it was going to be a tough time, but we knew he had it in him,” Wyatt’s father, Todd, said when he was going to compete at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. And the wrestling world saw the unthinkable. The Air Force guy defeated the wrestling champ Gable Steveson and broke his 73-match winning streak. And Wyatt Hendrickson’s father’s reaction was priceless.

Todd Hedrickson said, “I was just like, ‘Did he just do that?’ I really don’t even know if I can explain it; it was just like, ‘Is this really going to happen? Is he really going to finish this shot?’ And he did.” Todd further added, “I was more proud of that than him actually winning the match.” But apart from Wyatt Hendrickson’s father, his mother has also been his support system.

Who is Wyatt Hendrickson’s mother?

Lynette Hendrickson is the mother of Wyatt Hendrickson, and she was the one who cheered him on in his victories. Though details about Wyatt’s mother are not in the public domain, but what we do know is that she always stood by her son. According to 12 News, Hendrickson’s mother talked about the experience of his win over Gable Steveson; she said, “Probably one of the most exciting things to ever experience, honestly.” Wyatt’s wrestling journey started when he was only six, and “As a parent, you know the whole backstory, so you’ve seen all the struggles. It wasn’t always easy,” Wyatt’s mother said. “So to see him reap the blessing of that, it was just incredible,” she added.

Almost immediately following the championship match, Wyatt was seen on his knees, fervently repeating, “Thank you, God,” before saluting and then extending his greetings to the president. While talking about the scene, Wyatt Hendrickson’s mother said, “You know, faith has been the foundation of our family since he was a small child. I really think that’s what was driving him this time.” Being a tough guy on the wrestling mat, he is a believer of God and doesn’t forget to be grateful. “He just believed that God would help him achieve that goal and he would use that platform to give God the glory for it,” Lynett added.

Wyatt Hendrickson’s mother even gave credit to all coaches and people who have helped him in the journey so far, and going forward. She said, “There were coaches from the time he was a kid, all the way up to teachers; everybody helped out with this journey.”  One question might loom here: What is Wyatt’s parents’ nationality?

What is Wyatt Hendrickson’s parents’ nationality?

Wyatt Hendrickson’s parents, Todd and Lynnette Hendrickson, are American through and through. They’ve raised their son with strong Midwestern values, rooted in hard work, service, and perseverance. Their unwavering support has clearly played a huge role in Wyatt’s journey to the top.