Paris Olympic victory reportedly forced Aaron Brooks to make a major career decision

Take a risk or give up. That seems to be the philosophy espoused by former National Wrestling World Cup star Aaron Brooks. The City of Lights recently added another illustrious achievement to the wrestler’s already illustrious career: Brooks has become an Olympic medalist. The 86kg bronze medallist has just enjoyed considerable success in his Olympic debut, but it’s already time for him to reach even greater heights.

Cale Sanderson’s star student and four-time NCAA gold medalist Aaron Brooks is definitely ready for bigger things, and recent information suggests a big career change may be on the way for him.

Brooks is ready to take a new step

On August 12, The Wrestling Room added an X-post hinting at this possible change, with Brooks stating that he plans to consider a higher weight category above. 86kg, possibly after next year. To back up its source, the account quoted Aaron Brooks’ father, John Brooks, as saying, as part of a lengthy statement, “Aaron is too big for 86kg after this year.”

Aaron Brooks competed at 184 pounds throughout most of his NCAA career, winning four NCAA titles in that weight class while wrestling at Penn State. His stellar performances, including defeating 2020 Olympic champion David Taylor at the wrestling trials, earned him a spot in the 86 kg weight class at the Olympics. Despite limited senior experience, Brooks proved himself by becoming U20 and U23 world champions. His transition to the Olympic weight classes and success at various levels is indicative of his exceptional talent and potential.

But now, he seems to be on a different path in his career after a rollercoaster Olympic experience. Despite being a gold medal favorite, Brooks came home with a bronze medal. So what happened on the mat in Paris?

Aaron Brooks’ stay in Paris was full of pros and cons

In the men’s 86 kg freestyle, Aaron Brooks lost the gold medal to Magomed Ramazanov of Bulgaria. Despite leading 1-0 and performing well, Brooks seemed in good position to secure the win. Brooks had previously defeated the top seed in the match, Azamat Dauretbekov. But the challenge of the semifinals was too tough for him.

But it was only a matter of time before Brooks bounced back in the bronze medal match. He clearly wasn’t going to go home empty-handed. He beat Uzbekistan’s Dzhavleil Shapiev 5-0 to win the bronze medal. Brooks says he remains calm and collected despite the accomplishment. “I don’t think I’m going to get depressed because I know it’s all futile in the end,” he said recently.

And now he is on the verge of making a big decision. What do you think about his decision? Share your thoughts below.