Spenser Mango, 29, retired from wrestling today at the Olympic Freestyle Team Trials. Just last year he was the 2015 World Team Trials champion. This year, he lost in the semi-finals. As per wrestling retirement tradition, he sat down on the edge of the mat, untied his shoes, and left them on the mat as he walked away.
Mango has had a very illustrious career as a wrestler. According to Team USA’s official biography, Mango has been a two-time Olympian (2008, 2012), a six-time U.S. World Team member (2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015), he took fifth place at World Championships (2013, 2014), has been a seven-time U.S. Open champion, a World University champion (2007), and a Junior World bronze medalist (2006).
While it is sad to see such a wonderful wrestler retire, the wrestling community is better for having had him in its ranks. He is the epitome of hard work, effort, and heart. We here at Jiu-Jitsu Times wish him nothing but the best in whatever he plans for the future.
