Penn State wrestling star Aaron Brooks stunned by last-second semifinal loss in 2024 Olympics

Aaron Brooks lost in the Olympic semifinals Thursday in a stunning upset in his quest for a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at 86 KG.

Brooks fell 4-3 after holding a 3-0 lead over Magomed Ramazanov (Bulgaria). Brooks, who earned this year’s Olympic spot with a victory over 2020 Gold Medalist and former Nittany Lion Wrestling Club teammate David Taylor at the Trials, was on a tear until the final moments.

With 10 seconds left, Brooks led 3-2 over Ramazanov and attempted another low leg attack. But as he hung onto the leg, Ramazanov exposed Brooks’ back for the score and the stunning victory.

Already one of the greatest collegiate wrestlers of all-time, Brooks was trying to achieve Olympic gold, but will now wrestle for Bronze Friday.

Brooks began the Olympics with a 4-3 win over No. 1 seed Azamat Dauletbekov (Kazakhstan) and an 11-1 technical superiority over Hayato Ishiguro (Japan) in the first session.

A five-time All-American at Penn State (2020 with a canceled tournament) and four-time NCAA champion, Brooks looks like the best version of himself at the moment.

After winning his fourth title at the collegiate level, Brooks didn’t slow down in preparation for the Olympic Trials.

“But one thing I talked about with Coach Cael (Sanderson) before this tournament, so different conversation, but, like, a target. God always molds you for those things,” Brooks said in Kansas City after NCAAs.

“My whole life I’ve had a target, whether being in Maryland and got known a little bit on the national stage, it prepares you for that. I just look at it that way. I’ve always had a target, not just me going for a fourth title but I’ve always had a target on my back regardless. We kind of had that conversation. I think that’s the truth. It’s nothing different when you’ve had a target on your back your whole life.”

Brooks was his typical humble self after NCAAs, something he carried over the international wrestling scene.

“Praise the Lord. Being able to be present tonight is a gift,” Brooks said after his four NCAA titles. “Our team, special night, family being here, family and friends. I’m just very blessed that tonight played out as it did. Regardless, I’m very blessed, but it was fun.”