Kyle Snyder on the 'pure joy' of the Olympics
A little over a month ago, Team USA concluded the 2016 Rio Games with 46 gold medals. Woodbine's Kyle Snyder is one of the American winners.
At 20 years old, Snyder became the youngest U.S. Olympic gold medalist for wrestling ever.
Snyder is arguably the greatest wrestler in Maryland history. He was 179-0 while wrestling for Our Lady of Good Counsel in high school. His passion for the sport over the years has taken him to levels he can't even begin to describe.
"It's a pretty hard moment to put into words. I remember dropping down to my knees and looking at my hands, and I looked up and my coach was standing on the mat waiting for a huge hug. It was special, pure joy," Snyder said.
Snyder, who's really just starting his international wrestling career, said a major goal of his is to be a part of the next four Olympics.
Snyder was also undefeated in three of the toughest high school wrestling tournaments in the country, winning the Best of the East three times, the Walsh Ironman twice and the Powerade Wrestling Tournament once. Snyder is also a two-time NCAA champion at Ohio State, as he was a part of a team title in 2015 before winning an individual heavyweight crown in 2016.