MINNEAPOLIS — After defending his national heavyweight title back in 2022, Gable Steveson landed his signature victory backflip, flexed to the crowd and took in the moment.
The two-time NCAA national champion sat in the center of the mat, took off his shoes and left them there, a tradition wrestlers often do to signal their retirement.
Not so fast.
The University of Minnesota announced Tuesday that the Olympic gold medalist would return to the Gophers this winter as he looks to build on his wrestling legacy.
"First, I would like to thank the University of Minnesota for their time, for their effort, for their persistence with me to push me to the man I am today," Steveson said, in part, in a video posted by the Gophers wrestling team. "With all this being said, there's still one thing inside of me that still burns. The burning passion, the competitiveness, the itch to become great again, and add to the legacy of Gable Steveson."
The video shows him grabbing a pair of wrestling shoes hanging in a tree and running back to campus, a possible reference to his "apparent" retirement gesture at the 2022 national championship.
"Minnesota has given me everything and now it's my turn to give it right back to 'em," said the Olympic gold medalist. "To put my feet back on the wrestling mat. To be the champ — one more time."
Steveson has one year of eligibility and is expected to make his season debut on Nov, 24 against Campbell.
"Gable has the burning desire to compete for the Maroon and Gold one last time," said U of M coach Brandon Eggum. "We are thankful he has chosen the opportunity to add to his historic legacy with our program. He is one of the best to ever compete in the sport of wrestling, and we are grateful for the impact has had at our program."
After growing up in Apple Valley, Steveson went on to become one of the most decorated wrestlers in Gophers history. He won an Olympic gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Games, and then tried to carve out a career with the World Wrestling Entertainment. He also gave football a shot, signing with the Buffalo Bills in May before eventually being released in late August.
