"Absolute warrior" - Mason Parris & other wrestlers react to Alex Dieringer's retirement after World Team Trials defeat

Alex Dieringer was lauded by some of his wrestling colleagues, following his retirement after his defeat to Jordan Burroughs in the semifinals of the World Team Trials in Omaha. The 31-year-old was the third seed in the men's 79kg freestyle tournament.

Dieringer received a bye to the Round of 16 of the World Team Trials, where he beat 14th seed Noah Mulvaney 10-0 to reach the quarterfinals. Here, he beat Evan Wick 7-1 to set up a semifinal clash with second seed and London Olympics 2012 gold medalist Burroughs.

Dieringer put up a tough fight but the 36-year-old eventually beat him 7-4 to qualify for the 79kg final at the World Team Trials. After the final, the 31-year-old placed his shoes in the middle of the mat.

Some of Dieringer's colleagues reacted to the news of his retirement and paid tribute to him. These included World Championships bronze medalist Mason Parris, who took to his Instagram stories and called the 31-year-old an "absolute warrior."

Parris wrote,

"Absolute warrior. Thanks for the impact you made on me and many others@ringing 65"

Mason Parris' Instagram story (Source: Instagram)

2023 World Championships gold medalist, Stevan Micic also paid tribute to Alex Dieringer, saying:

"So proud of your incredible career, so proud to call you my brother."

Stevan Micic's Instagram story (Source: Instagram)

Wrestler Alec Pantaleo, who recently reached the final of the 70kg event at the World Team Trials, called Dieringer "his hero".

Pantaleo wrote,

"@ringing65 is my hero, and there isn't a close second..."

Alec Pantaleo's Instagram story (Source: Instagram)

Earlier this year, Dieringer failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics, as he lost to Aaron Brooks in the men's 86kg semifinals. Brooks eventually went on to win bronze in the quadrennial Games.

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Alex Dieringer on his retirement: "Overwhelmed with so much support"

Alex Dieringer (L) at the 2016 NCAA Wrestling Championships (Image Source: Getty)

Alex Dieringer took to his Instagram stories to talk about the messages he had received following his retirement. He said he was overwhelmed with the support and was grateful.

The 31-year-old wrote,

"Overwhelmed with so much support... grateful is the one word that comes to mind. I will be giving a lot of thanks when I wake up tomorrow. Been one heck of a ride (heart emoji)"

Dieringer had an impressive collegiate wrestling career while representing the Oklahoma State Cowboys, winning three NCAA Championships, in 2014, 2015, and 2016. He also won four successive Big 12 Wrestling Championships from 2013-2016.

Dieringer currently works as a recruiting and video coordinator for the University of Michigan.