It looked like Penn State wrestling great Zain Retherford would be competing to win a Bronze Medal Sunday morning but unfortunately, that’s no longer the case.
Per reports by Nate Cobler of the Centre Daily Times and others, Retherford has withdrawn from the Olympics because of concussion symptoms.
Just got word that Zain Retherford has withdrawn from the Olympics due to concussion symptoms
— Nate Cobler (@byncobler) August 10, 2024
In his first match, Retherford went against Iran’s Rahman Amouzadkhalili, one of the top wrestlers at 65 kg, and fell 8-0.
To stay in the competition and keep his Bronze medal chances alive, Retherford needed Amouzadkhalil to make it to the Gold Medal Match.
Fortunately for Retherford, that ended up happening, and as a result, it looked like the “Zain Train” would roll on. But that’s no longer the case.
“Retherford suffered a concussion while training in preparation for the Olympic Games and had recovered before the competition. During his bout against Amouzadkhali, his injury symptoms returned. With support of his coaches and in consultation with medical staff, the decision was made for Retherford to withdraw from the tournament.”
If there were a Mt. Rushmore of Penn State wrestling legends, Retherford would have a strong case to be on.
He and future Olympic Gold Medalist/Oklahoma State head coach David Taylor are the only wrestlers in program history to win two Hodge Trophies, which is wrestling’s equivalent to the Heisman. Only six men in history— another one being Penn State coach Cael Sanderson, who won three at Iowa State— have won more than one Hodge.
Now, the last Nittany Lion Wrestling Club member competing in the Olympics is Kyle Snyder. He’ll go for Bronze Sunday.
