“Don't think he's done”- Fans question retirement claims as David Taylor wins World Championships bronze in Tirana

David Taylor ended his campaign at the 2024 World Wrestling Championships with a bronze medal, taking his total tally of World Championships medals to five. While Taylor previously confirmed that this would be his final competition, many fans were quick to express their hope that he might continue competing after his campaign in Tirana, Albania.

For Taylor, 2024 has been a whirlwind of emotions. The wrestler began his year competing at the U.S Olympic Trials, but failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics. Post this, the Tokyo champion announced his retirement from the sport, signing on the become the Oklahoma State University's head coach.

However, in September, the former World Champion announced that he was making a brief return to the sport to compete at the World Championships Trials. He then proceeded to dominate the Trials, subsequently making a trip to Tirana.

At the World Wrestling Championships, David Taylor's campaign got off to a shaky start as he was beaten by Abdulrashid Sadulaev in his qualification rounds, but made his way through the repechage to win bronze.

Post this, OSU celebrated their head coach’s career, writing,

“Good ride, Cowboy.”

However, some fans reacted to this by expressing their hopes that Taylor would continue to compete, with one writing,

“I don't think he's done.”

A couple of other fans pointed out that David Taylor didn't leave his shoes in the mat to signal his retirement, with one writing,

“He didn’t leave his shoes on the mat. His ride really over?”

“He can still ride with his boots on,” another chimed in.

On the other hand, a few fans took the opportunity to celebrate Taylor's legendary career.

“Amazing career Magic Man. You changed the landscape of wrestling by your aggressive, never stop trying to score mentality!” one wrote.

“The best wrestler I’ve ever witnessed to come out of high school in Ohio and grow into a man. Tore through his college career, became one of the best in the country and world! Thank you for all you have those you’ve inspired and all you’ve done for the sport!” another X user added.

“Awesome sendoff for a legend. Thank you for showing the wrestling world how to compete,” a third fan expressed.

David Taylor reveals why he didn't leave his shoes on the mat

David Taylor's bronze medal bout at the World Championships saw him defeat Iran’s Kamran Ghasempour 6-2, in a victory by points. Taylor took the time to soak in the moment on the mat, but didn't remove his shoes to signify his retirement.

Speaking to Flo Wrestling after his bout, the American explained his reasoning for not removing his shoes on the mat, saying,

“I mean obviously I know it's something that wrestling's always done. I think people kind of, they predetermine it and a lot of times they go out losing, knowing that's when they're going to put their shoes on the mat. And my focus was wrestling you know and I think everyone knows the respect that I have for the sport I don't think I needed to leave my shoes on the mut but I appreciate the moment out there.”

Taylor went on to confirm that he was retiring from competing, but his journey as a wrestler wasn't done.

“I'm not done wrestling, I'm done competing. My time competing is done but my time in wrestling (isn't). My shoes (are) going to be on on Monday in the practice room helping these next guys.”

With his retirement, David Taylor ends his wrestling career as one of the best athletes to even step foot on the mat. His time as a wrestler saw him be crowned the 2020 Olympic champion, as well the 2018, 2022, and 2023 World Champion.