The 2024 Olympic Games are in full swing, and the wrestling action is about to kick off. Penn State Wrestling is well represented at these Games, and it’s time to throw out some bold predictions for each guy involved.

The climb to the top of any Olympic wrestling bracket requires huge amounts of both focus and pain. All of the hours spent training in wrestling rooms across the planet culminate in the span of only a handful of days. And most years, the difference between heartbreak and glory lies on either side of a razor’s edge.

Roman Bravo-Young: A New Weight Class and Unexpected Challenge

With the experience and depth of the group at 57 kg, it was just a huge accomplishment that RBY qualified for the Olympics. Additionally, this was Roman’s first time wrestling down at 125 pounds for many years, and the transition is never easy for anyone.

Either way, his short stint at the new weight has certainly turned some heads. RBY is a perfect 12-0 dating back to the 2023 Mexico Grand Prix in early December, and for the most part, he’s breezed through virtually every single match.

But this is the Olympics. And the very best of the best in the world are going to butt heads in Paris. However, this doesn’t mean that RBY can’t make some noise.

Bravo-Young may actually be able to surprise some guys early in the competition with his length and the fact that there isn’t much tape on him. Will this possibly get him on the podium?

I think even that is asking too much.

Zain Retherford: Experience vs. Age

The field at 65 kg is one of the more wide-open fields in this year’s Olympics. Furthermore, with Shamil Mamedov not being in the mix due to Russia not competing, it’s basically a free-for-all between the top four or five guys.

It’s kind of crazy to see the top seed coming in as the fifth-highest betting favorite. But that’s international wrestling for you!

And unlike Roman Bravo-Young, Zain Retherford is no stranger when it comes to wrestling on the world stage.

Retherford won bronze in the 2019 World Cup and picked up a gold at the 2023 Pan Am Championships. More importantly, he’s had high finishes in both the 2022 (silver) and 2023 (gold) World Championships.

Zain is not lacking in either experience or talent. However, age may be his only limiting factor at this stage in his wrestling career. This means that this is most likely his only shot at Olympic greatness.

And I believe he will ride off into the sunset with an Olympic medal.

Aaron Brooks: The Weight of the Nation

As you can see from the betting odds, this appears to be a two-man race at 86 kg.

Before the US Olympic Trials back in April, most people would have automatically penciled in a Yazdani/Taylor finals matchup for the second Olympics in a row.

But let’s just say that Aaron Brooks had a say in the matter.

And when you take down a three-time World champion and the reigning Olympic gold medalist at 86 kg? Two things can immediately be confirmed.

The first is simply the fact that Aaron Brooks isn’t just a great collegiate folkstyle wrestler, he’s a supreme wrestler regardless of the discipline. His strength, quickness, preparation, and mental toughness go beyond human logic.

The second item is simply the fact that immense expectations are now on his shoulders. So how will Aaron Brooks handle it?

It’s one thing to have the weight of a college fanbase on your back. But it’s something entirely different to have the weight of an entire nation looming over you.

But this is Aaron Brooks we’re talking about. And if I was literally the only wrestling writer in the country to predict he would topple David Taylor at the Olympic Trials, then I’m not stopping there.

Can Penn State's Wrestlers Conquer the World?

This is the biggest stage in wrestling. And Penn State is ready to take on the world.

The Nittany Lions have a history of success at the Olympics. But this year’s team could be the best yet.

I am confident that these wrestlers will make their mark on the world stage. And I’m not the only one who thinks so. Just look at the betting odds. They’re pretty clear that these guys are among the favorites.

It’s going to be an exciting few days of competition. So make sure to tune in and see what happens.

This article first appeared on Nittany Central and was syndicated with permission.

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