Regarding Yazdani losing, I was so impressed at how he handled the injury and loss. There was no throwing a fit, sulking, disrespecting his opponent, etc. He showed such great class. I know it had to be devastating for him, especially considering what a prime opportunity this was for him to win his second Olympic gold medal, but he was all class.
I do have to wonder if he will stick around through 2028. He will be four months shy of 34 for the LA Olympics. That is pretty old for a freestyle wrestler, especially considering the shoulder injuries he has sustained over the years, combined with the physical nature of his wrestling.
No matter what the future holds for Yazdani's wrestling career, he is one of the all time greats, medaling at the last nine World or Olympic championships. And were it not for Taylor and the unfortunate timing of this most-recent injury, there is a good chance he would have won the gold in all nine of those World and Olympic championships. Not too shabby!
I do have to wonder if he will stick around through 2028. He will be four months shy of 34 for the LA Olympics. That is pretty old for a freestyle wrestler, especially considering the shoulder injuries he has sustained over the years, combined with the physical nature of his wrestling.
No matter what the future holds for Yazdani's wrestling career, he is one of the all time greats, medaling at the last nine World or Olympic championships. And were it not for Taylor and the unfortunate timing of this most-recent injury, there is a good chance he would have won the gold in all nine of those World and Olympic championships. Not too shabby!