In a thrilling journey that epitomizes perseverance, Aaron Brooks, a former Big 10 standout, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the wrestling world. His recent triumph as the 4th-time NCAA Champion has solidified his status as one of the most formidable wrestlers of his generation. 

Aaron Brooks secured his spot at the Paris Olympics 2024 by defeating the reigning 86-kilogram gold medalist, David Taylor, in back-to-back matches at the U.S. Olympic wrestling trials. Brooks defeated Taylor 4-1, marking Taylor’s first loss to an American wrestler in seven years. Aaron Brooks clinched victory with a 3-1 win in the second match, breaking a stalemate with a decisive takedown in the first period. After the match he said, “I told him I love him,” continuing, “He’s one of the first guys to make (Penn State wrestling) what it is.” 

After the win of Aaron Brooks, Big Ten Wrestling posted it on his X handle and stated, “Aaron Brooks stuns David Taylor! Brooks has now won a @bigten title, @NCAAWrestling title, the Hodge Trophy, and a spot in the @Olympics all within the last two months! ”. The win on Saturday night at the U.S Olympic Trials against the gold medalist David Taylor in consecutive matches has shocked the fans.

It paved an opportunity to sweep the Tokyo gold medalist and fellow Penn State athlete claiming a spot in the Paris Olympics 2024. This success is not merely a one-off achievement; Aaron Brooks has been consistently making his mark in the wrestling world, showcasing his determination including a Big Ten title, his fourth NCAA title, the Hodge Trophy, and a spot in the Olympics since March. 

Dominating the mat: Aaron Brooks’ journey to Olympic glory and continued success

On Saturday, a total of 18 wrestlers earned spots on the U.S. wrestling squad, with 13 of them directly qualifying for the Olympic tournament in Paris. Brooks avenged last year’s losses to Taylor by securing wins. Brooks bounced back from last year’s losses to Taylor, sweeping victories in the Big Ten and NCAA Championships. Since the beginning of March, Brooks has been into back-to-back matches competing. He had joined a four-time NCAA Div. I champion where Brooks became the seventh.

Penn State senior Aaron Brooks secured his fourth national title by defeating North Carolina State’s Trent Hidlay 6-1 in the finals at 197 pounds. In his post-match interview with ESPN he said, “It’s a journey with the Lord, praise the Lord”. It was the first time that he won the fourth NCAA title shortly after teammate Carter Starocci joined the short list by winning his fourth straight title at 174 pounds on Saturday night. After the win, Brooks told reporters, “It’s cool to be a part of, when I look back on it”.

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Brooks has won the 197-pound Big Ten Title with a technical fall, 19-3 against Iowa’s Zach Glazier. Later this April, he was named the recipient of the 2024 WIN Magazine/ Culture House Dan Hodge Trophy awarded to the nation’s top college wrestler. Brooks said in a news release after the award, “Winning the Hodge Trophy is a blessing”.

Now the spot in the Paris Olympics is his opportunity to achieve his dream. Brooks said, “I’m trying be present”, continuing, “It happens fast — matches, seasons, careers. I’m just trying to take it in.” Wrestling fans and spectators eagerly await his potential debut, where he undoubtedly aims to make his mark on the International stage.