Penn State's David Taylor, Zain Retherford Win World Wrestling Titles
Penn State legend David Taylor won his third world wrestling title on Sunday in Belgrade, Serbia, extending what has become one of the great freestyle careers in U.S. wrestling history. And after winning his fourth international gold, Taylor made a statement that he has been able to back.
"I'm the most dynamic, dominant wrestler the sport's ever seen," Taylor told reporters at the world championships. "I truly believe that."
Taylor and Zain Retherford, who combined to win five NCAA titles at Penn State, claimed world titles for USA Wrestling at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships. Taylor once again stormed through the senior men's 86 kg freestyle class, going 5-0 with three pins and two technical falls. In his latest bout with rival Hassan Yazdani of Iran, Taylor again proved dynamic, taking a 7-3 lead before clinching the fall in 5:57. Taylor improved to 5-1 in his career against Yazdani, having won their duels in two straight world championships and the 2020 Olympics. Taylor's only loss to Yazdani was in the 2021 world finals.
"I just think the fact that I've had to go through that guy ever single time I've stepped out there speaks volumes," Taylor told reporters in Belgrade, "because without me, that guy is winning every single one of these for forever."
Former Penn State wrestler David Taylor, pictured at the 2020 Olympics, won his third world title at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.
Mandi Wright/USA Today Sports
Since leaving Penn State, where he won two NCAA titles, Taylor has become the most decorated international wrestlers in program history. He has won three world titles since 2018, then made history at the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo by becoming the first Penn State wrestler to win an Olympic gold medal. Taylor's win qualified the U.S. for the 86 kg freestyle weight class at the 2024 Olympics.
Retherford won his first world title after placing second at the 2022 World Wrestling Championships. The three-time national champ at Penn State defeated Amir Yazdani of Iran 8-5 in the 70 kg freestyle final. Retherford built an 8-2 lead with a consistent attack to complete his gold-medal run. Since 70kg is not among the six men's freestyle weight classes at the Olympics, Retherford must move up to 74 kg or down to 65 for the 2024 Games.
Nick Lee, a two-time NCAA champ at Penn State, is contending for a medal in the 65 kg weight class at worlds.
Penn State will host the 2024 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials in April at the Bryce Jordan Center.
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