"Greatest motivation for me to fight in any situation": Three-time Olympic medalist Hassan Yazdani pens heartwarming message for David Taylor

In a heartfelt tribute following David Taylor's final match of his career, the three-time Olympic medalist Hassan Yazdani took the moment to express his admiration and respect for the American wrestler. Taylor competed in his final match at the 2024 World Wrestling Championships.

The American wrestler secured a bronze medal after pinning the Islamic Republic of Iran's Kamran Ghasempour with a 6-2 victory by points. Following the run, Yazdani penned a touching message praising the five-time Olympic medalist's illustrious career.

Taylor and Yazdani faced each other multiple times in their career, including the 2020 Tokyo Games. The former wrestler secured the victory over Yazdani after a hard-fought bout, grabbing the victory with 4-3 points. Two months later at the 2021 World Championships, the Iranian defeated the American with a 6-2 victory.

Later, Taylor redeemed himself during the 2022 and 2023 World Championships in Belgrade. At both championships, the American wrestler bested the Iranian wrestler in the 86kg freestyle event with 7-1 and 9-3 respectively.

Following the recent bronze-medal victory in Tirana, Albania, Yazdani expressed his adoration and respect towards Taylor in his Instagram story.

"In the past few years, having a good rival like you has been the greatest motivation for me to fight in any situation which is the key to success," wrote Yazdani. "Wishing you the best of luck in your new journey and may you enjoy each step along the way."

Screenshot of Hassan Yazdani's Instagram story (@hasan_yazdani73)

"That was a hard thing to do for a while": David Taylor reflects on the time when he found it challenging to earn a spot on the national team

David Taylor during the Men's Freestyle - 86kg weight gold medal match in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Getty Images)

Following his recent victory in Albania, David Taylor reflected on the time he navigated the challenge to grab a spot on the national team, including the 2024 Paris Games.

During the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, Taylor displayed an underwhelming performance after being outmatched by Aaron Brooks and decided to stay dormant from the sport until the 2024 World Wrestling Championships.

Fresh off his bronze medal victory, the American reflected on the tough times and took pride in finally making his mark at the international level, during an interview with Flow Wrestling.

"It's everything I mean, I remember there was a time when I was just hoping to just make a team," Taylor said. "That was a hard thing to do for a while you know and it's just make a team and then you get here and just because you won for a long time that certainly doesn't mean you're going to continue to win. So just proud to do it."

David Taylor also serves as the head coach at Oklahoma State University since this year's Olympic Trials.