Gable Steveson, the gold medalist from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, announced on Tuesday his decision to come out of retirement and rejoin the University of Minnesota for an additional and final season of college wrestling.

At just 21 years old, Steveson secured his Olympic gold in heavyweight freestyle wrestling. He followed that achievement with a second national title at Minnesota in 2022 but chose to retire shortly after.

Now at the age of 24, Steveson, who has won the prestigious Hodge Trophy twice as the country’s leading collegiate wrestler, is poised to return with an impressive 52-match winning streak.

In a video revealing his comeback, he expressed gratitude towards Minnesota, saying, “Minnesota has given me everything, and now it’s my turn to give it right back to them: to put my feet back on the wrestling mat, to be the champ, one more time.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he has an additional year of eligibility, and Minnesota has announced that he is anticipated to make his season debut on November 24 against Campbell.

“Gable has the burning desire to compete for the Maroon and Gold one last time,” remarked wrestling coach Brandon Eggum. “We are thankful he has chosen the opportunity to add to his historic legacy with our program. He is one of the best to ever compete in the sport of wrestling, and we appreciate the lasting impact he has had on our program.”

Following his retirement, Steveson ventured into the world of professional wrestling with World Wrestling Entertainment, primarily showcasing his skills in NXT, the company’s developmental division. After his release earlier this year, he pursued a spot with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, despite lacking formal experience in football, but was not successful in making the team.

He has remained in training with Minnesota’s wrestling coach Brandon Eggum and contemplated competing in the Paris Olympics, but ultimately decided against that pursuit.