Wyatt Hendrickson wins NCAA wrestling title and salutes Trump
- Wyatt Hendrickson won the NCAA heavyweight championship in a dramatic upset against Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson.
- The event was attended by former President Donald Trump, who received a warm reception from the crowd.
- Hendrickson's victory marks a significant moment in wrestling history and demonstrates the interplay between sports and national pride.
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 22, 2025, Wyatt Hendrickson shocked the wrestling community by winning the NCAA heavyweight wrestling championship against Gable Steveson, a two-time national champion and Olympic gold medalist. The match took place at the Wells Fargo Center, where former President Donald Trump was in attendance, marking his first visit to Pennsylvania as the sitting president. The atmosphere was electric, with fans expressing their support through chants of 'USA!' as Trump entered the venue. Hendrickson secured the victory with a daring comeback in the final moments of the match, bringing the score to a close 5-4 after trailing 4-2. His takedown with only thirty seconds remaining turned the tide, culminating in a significant upset against Steveson, who had a remarkable 99-2 record. Following his win, Hendrickson celebrated by draping himself in an American flag, saluting Trump, and shaking his hand, emphasizing his pride in representing the U.S. military as a member of the Air Force. The event highlights not only Hendrickson's personal achievements but also Trump's ongoing influence and popularity within sports events. Senator Markwayne Mullin remarked on the crowd's reception of Trump, attributing it to the respect they have for someone who 'fights for them.' This backing from the wrestling community illustrates a connection between athletes and political figures, particularly in environments where patriotism and support for military service are prioritized. Hendrickson, who is a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and a former athlete from the Air Force Academy, shared his intentions to continue serving in the military for the next 20 years while maintaining his commitment to wrestling. He spoke about the motivational role of his Christian faith, reflecting on a sermon that reinforced his determination. Hendrickson's victory not only symbolizes a personal triumph but also continues the tradition of wrestling as a platform for showcasing resilience and national pride.