Emotions were high today at State College in Pennsylvania as the OLympic Team Trials fielded J’den Cox’s retirement announcement.
Cox, 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist and 3x NCAA Champion, left his wrestling shoes in the center of the mat after his semifinal match, signifying his retirement from the sport-fielding a stadium standing ovation. The announcer stated “On behalf of this sport, thank you for your service to the sport of wrestling and to Team USA” In an interview, Cox stated, “We’ve got to be proud of [getting to places people dream of]… and at this moment in time, I am. So, no regrets from me.” He states that he wants to focus on his family and making the world better for his kids.
J’den Cox has been a role model for so many young wrestlers. He’s been an idol to some, opponent to others, but treated them with utmost respect. He’s shared his journey with becoming partially deaf on his social media and has inspired many disabled wrestlers. He walked off the mat to shouts of “Thank you J’den!” He is a wrestling icon and household name and it is indesputable the impact he made. He is an inspiration to many and we will be sad to see him go.