Q&A with wrestling star Kyle Snyder after getting Sullivan Award as nation's top amateur athlete
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by Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling
Kyle Snyder holds his AAU Sullivan Award and poses with other finalists after the awards ceremony on Tuesday night. Video capture.
Shortly after receiving the James E. Sullivan Award from the AAU as the nation's top wrestler, Kyle Snyder spoke about the honor with USA Wrestling.
Q: What were your thoughts when they announced you as the winner of this award? Last year, you were a finalist and not the athlete chosen.
Snyder: I was excited. It is a great award. Some of the best athletes that ever walked this earth have been finalists and won this award. It was great to get to know the other seven finalists and learn about the history of this award.
Q: You join John Smith, Bruce Baumgartner and Rulon Gardner as the only wrestlers to win this historic award. What is it like to be considered alongside these legends of our sport?
Snyder: Those are three of the greatest. I am very thankful for all the things I have accomplished. I know God has blessed with great gifts, a great family, and self belief. I am truly blessed to be one of four wrestlers to win this award.
Q: You thanked many people during your acceptance speech. Talk about the support that you have had during your life journey that has helped you reach this level of success.
Snyder: I thanked many people, but there is a lot more that I wasn’t able to say. My support staff is big. I truly trust the people that guide me and know that they love me and want what is best for me. There is no doubt that they have played a huge role in my achievements.
Q: What are the keys to your ability to stay focused on the future, to keep improving and to face the challenges of international wrestling?
Snyder: The key is simple, it is keep loving what I’m doing. I love wrestling, and as long as that remains, I will be focused and improving and giving all the effort I have to the sport.
Q: You often talk about your faith. Could you share how this has been a factor in your life and your athletic career?
Snyder: God has given me the opportunities and strength to conquer great challenges. There are so many occasions in my short career where I have been in the most anticipated bout, or team titles have come down to me. These are all chances for me to glorify Christ with my effort and decisions during the match. I continue to learn more about Jesus and have a better understanding of how to represent Him everyday. That is my ultimate goal, and it helps relieve stress and anxiety before competition.
Shortly after receiving the James E. Sullivan Award from the AAU as the nation's top wrestler, Kyle Snyder spoke about the honor with USA Wrestling.
Q: What were your thoughts when they announced you as the winner of this award? Last year, you were a finalist and not the athlete chosen.
Snyder: I was excited. It is a great award. Some of the best athletes that ever walked this earth have been finalists and won this award. It was great to get to know the other seven finalists and learn about the history of this award.
Q: You join John Smith, Bruce Baumgartner and Rulon Gardner as the only wrestlers to win this historic award. What is it like to be considered alongside these legends of our sport?
Snyder: Those are three of the greatest. I am very thankful for all the things I have accomplished. I know God has blessed with great gifts, a great family, and self belief. I am truly blessed to be one of four wrestlers to win this award.
Q: You thanked many people during your acceptance speech. Talk about the support that you have had during your life journey that has helped you reach this level of success.
Snyder: I thanked many people, but there is a lot more that I wasn’t able to say. My support staff is big. I truly trust the people that guide me and know that they love me and want what is best for me. There is no doubt that they have played a huge role in my achievements.
Q: What are the keys to your ability to stay focused on the future, to keep improving and to face the challenges of international wrestling?
Snyder: The key is simple, it is keep loving what I’m doing. I love wrestling, and as long as that remains, I will be focused and improving and giving all the effort I have to the sport.
Q: You often talk about your faith. Could you share how this has been a factor in your life and your athletic career?
Snyder: God has given me the opportunities and strength to conquer great challenges. There are so many occasions in my short career where I have been in the most anticipated bout, or team titles have come down to me. These are all chances for me to glorify Christ with my effort and decisions during the match. I continue to learn more about Jesus and have a better understanding of how to represent Him everyday. That is my ultimate goal, and it helps relieve stress and anxiety before competition.
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