Gophers wrestler has yet to say whether he’s returning to the U or explore other opportunities.
Olympic wrestling gold medalist Gable Steveson returned for a celebration Thursday to the Apple Valley High School gym where just three years ago he would have been sitting among the school’s 1,600 students.
Steveson, 21, spent the last two years wrestling for the University of Minnesota before becoming a bona fide global sports star in August with a come-from-behind victory in the final second of the gold medal match in Tokyo.
“Life’s been crazy for me,” the 2018 Apple Valley High graduate said in brief remarks at a 15-minute welcome home rally. “Never give up on your dreams. Your life can change in a second just like mine did. … Happy Gable Steveson Day!”
Since winning the gold, Steveson gets recognized and stopped everywhere he goes. He’s been weighing numerous lucrative opportunities, ranging from the NFL and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to staying at the U and wrestling for the Gophers, where he can now profit from his own name, image and likeness under recent NCAA rule changes.
In an interview, Steveson said he’s “90 percent” decided on his next step and will make an announcement in a week or two. But Thursday was all about soaking up the hometown love in his old gym among people who knew him before the rest of the world did. Continue reading at startribune.com →