Wyatt Hendrickson, a talented wrestler from Oklahoma State University, made headlines this past Saturday night at the NCAA championship by pulling off an impressive upset victory. In a thrilling match held at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center, he defeated the heavily favored Gable Steveson from the University of Minnesota with a final score of 5-3, clinching the Heavyweight title.
This remarkable achievement was celebrated with a special moment as President Donald Trump was present in the audience. After winning the match, Hendrickson saluted the President while the crowd erupted in chants of “USA, USA.” Draped in an American flag, Hendrickson shared a heartfelt handshake and a brief embrace with Trump, who seemed genuinely proud of the young athlete’s accomplishment.
In a post-match interview, the 24-year-old veteran expressed his gratitude, saying, “He said he was very proud of me.” It was clear that having the Commander-in-Chief in attendance added to the excitement of the moment. Hendrickson, who is also an active second lieutenant in the Air Force, stated, “He came here to support his troops, I put on a show for him, I wanted that national title.”
The atmosphere in the arena was electric as Trump arrived, accompanied by prominent figures including tech entrepreneur Elon Musk and Congressman Jim Jordan. For Hendrickson, the presence of the President added even more significance to his hard-fought victory. He remarked, “Commander in chief right there baby. I was really excited to have him here.”
Hendrickson has a solid background as a wrestler. Known affectionately as “Captain America,” he competed at the Air Force Academy for four years, where he earned All-American honors. However, due to circumstances surrounding the pandemic, he was unable to use his fifth year of eligibility at Air Force and sought permission to transfer to Oklahoma State for one more shot at college wrestling.
His final match against Steveson was intense, especially considering Steveson’s impressive track record as a two-time national champion and the 2020 Olympic gold medalist. Leading 3-2 with just seconds remaining, Hendrickson showed remarkable determination. He executed a crucial takedown that earned him three points, securing his win and preventing Steveson from reclaiming the lead in the final moments.
Being an active-duty lieutenant in the Air Force, Hendrickson doesn’t have to immediately start his military service. He received permission to remain in Stillwater, Oklahoma after graduation to train with the Cowboy Wrestling Club as he prepares for the 2028 Olympics. Once his wrestling career concludes, he will fulfill his five-year commitment to the Air Force.
“I’m gonna make a career out of the military regardless,” Hendrickson affirmed. “This is just part of the journey for me.” His dedication to both his sport and his country depicts a young man striving for excellence in every aspect of his life.
Hendrickson’s victory is not just a personal achievement; it serves as a reminder of the values of hard work, discipline, and patriotism that are central to American success. In a time when such values are often overlooked, Wyatt’s story stands out as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and veterans alike. With the support of leaders like President Trump and the pride of his country behind him, Hendrickson is set on a promising path ahead—both on the mat and in his military career.
