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Aaron Brooks, the American freestyle wrestler, shared that he doesn't lift weights while training. His sole focus is wrestling, especially the underhook, which helps him to stay in shape. He recently moved past his rivals at the 2024 US Olympic Wrestling Trials, winning the event in the 86kg category and earning his Paris Olympics qualification.
Brooks, 24, won the U23 title in the 86kg category at the 2023 US National Championships. His collegiate achievements also continue to resonate after his fifth year (2023-24) at Pennsylvania State University - he became only the seventh athlete to win four consecutive titles at the NCAA Division 1 Championships, winning in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Brooks added four more golds to his achievements at the Big Ten Championships, wrestling in the 184lb category before before winning at the 2024 US Trials against world and Olympic champion David Taylor in the finals. His debut qualification at the Olympics also saw him reveal his secret that may seem beyond belief to some observers.
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In an interview with FloWrestling, Aaron Brooks revealed that he quit lifting as he grew up. His primary training encompasses underhook wrestling since he realized over time that he could gain strength through solely wrestling itself.
"Everyone says that, but if you ask anyone close to me, they know I don't lift."
Asked what his training looks like, he explained,
"Just wrestle. Underhooks. I'd lift when the team was lifting and I didn't mind it, I liked it. But, usually, growing up, it was bodyweight stuff, circuits and whatnot. But I think just through wrestling, you get stronger, especially wrestling guys like Snyder, Greg. I'm training a lot, so I'm building muscle."
Aaron Brooks: "I have to lead by example"
Aaron Brooks' desire to become a four-time NCAA Champion and secure an Olympic seat came true, but he doesn't care about the laurels. He said (via Herald-Mail Media):
"I always said I wanted to do what I've done. I always said I wanted to be a four-time NCAA champ and that I wanted to go to the Olympics. But the more I've grown, I've learned that I don't really care for those things."
"It's the platform the Lord gives me to go out there and be bold and courageous. If I want the next generation to do what I'm doing, I've got to do it first. I have to lead by example," he added.
The wrestling events at the 2024 Paris Olympics are scheduled from August 5 to August 11, 2024. The venue for the matches will be Grand Palais Éphémère in Champ de Mars, where 288 wrestlers will go at it across 18 weight divisions.
