By Richard Immel
USA Wrestling
RIO de JANIERO, Brazil - Last September Kyle Snyder shocked the world and became the youngest World champion in U.S. wrestling history. Today he leaves Rio with Olympic gold.

Snyder’s legend grew on Sunday afternoon inside Carioca Arena 2 as he became the youngest Olympic wrestling champion in U.S. history at age 20 with a 2-1 victory over eight-time World and Olympic medalist Khetag Goziumov of Azerbaijan.

Scoring opened in the gold medal match with Snyder securing a single leg and driving Goziumov out of bounds for one point. The two traded points off shot clock violations in the second. Snyder was able to fend off every Goziumov attack throughout the match and secure the U.S. its 50th Olympic gold in men’s freestyle.

“It was a tough match. I wrestled that guy like a month ago and he beat me, so I’m happy that I’ve been able to improve on that performance, and, I keep saying it, I’m really thankful and grateful that I’ve even had this opportunity wrestle and my family and friends have been down here, to share it with them,” said Snyder.

Snyder has achieved the unthinkable by winning a World title, NCAA title and Olympic gold over the last 12 months. The last U.S. wrestler to accomplish that feat was six-time World and Olympic champion and Distinguished Member John Smith in 1987-88.

Prior to today, 2008 Olympic champion Henry Cejudo held the mark for youngest U.S. Olympic champion at 21 years-of-age. Both Snyder and Cejudo graduated from Coronado High School in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“I’ve been super emotional at times on the mat when I’m wrestling. I think it’s just, maybe I was in shock. I don’t know. I was definitely really happy, happier than I’ve ever been on a wrestling mat,” Snyder added.

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