Kyle Dake is all set to fight for his first Olympic gold medal ever. He qualified for his first Olympics three years ago in Tokyo. But, there he could only manage a bronze medal. While that’s not a small achievement by any means, like any top athlete, his eyes are completely set on the gold medal. There’s also the age factor present here. Dake is now 33 years old and in the evening of his career. It is very tough to say that he will get another opportunity for the Olympic gold as he’ll be 37 by the time the Los Angeles Olympics rolls around. Thus, he is ready to give everything he has in Paris itself to realize his dream.

He is also the only top seed American wrestler in the competition, which would certainly increase his chances. During his first match in the second round, he completely dismantled Anthony Montero from Venezuela, winning by technical superiority. Thus, he is now placed in a great position to win the medal. However, his mental strength will also need to be at the top of its game. This is because he is still dealing with the passing away of his father Doug Dake.

During the Olympics trials, the wound was still fresh as Dake struggled to celebrate his successful qualification and instead wished that his father was there during the interview. But the fact that he qualified is a testament to his willpower which will be on full display in Paris. He also has numerous years of experience and honors in his bag helping him. Here’s more information about his storied career-

Learn about the titles and medals achieved by Kyle Dake

Kyle Dake’s insane college career has almost assumed urban legend status. As a freshman, literally from day one, assistant coach Jeremy Spates knew he was going to be special because he was hard to control—in contrast to most of the other freshmen, who would simply do what he said. What he could not have foreseen, though, was his subsequent win of back-to-back four NCAA titles—becoming only the third to ever do so. Throughout Dake’s college years, he would endure a myriad of different injuries to the point at which people described him as unlucky.

However, he did not let that bog him down a bit as he sustained a perfect 20-0 record in the NCAA competitions. During his college, his record was 137-4 and went on an unprecedented winning streak of 77 matches, a feat aspiring wrestlers find too crazy to even dream about. His senior career is very impressive too. He has won back-to-back four gold medals in the Pan American Championships since 2021. Dake would also win four gold in the five world Championships he has participated in. Only in 2023 he settled for silver instead. Thus, the only missing thing in his career is an Olympic gold medal. He would fight hard for it in Paris.

How did Kyle Dake get into wrestling?

Kyle Dake got into wrestling through his father Doug. Doug was an all American wrestler who went on to become the coach of the University of Cornell. This influence would make him start wrestling barely at the age of four and thus make him a great wrestler as he trained for pretty much his whole life. Kyle completely gives the credit of his career to his father.

They were very close, which is why it has been difficult to move on for him from Doug’s death. But, his eyes will only be on the gold in Paris, to make his father’s ambitions come true.