Few athletes have reshaped modern heavyweight wrestling the way Gable Dan Steveson has. Known for his rare blend of size, speed, and explosiveness, he has built one of the most successful careers in contemporary freestyle wrestling. Named after legendary wrestler Dan Gable, Steveson lived up to the expectations attached to his name by making history at the high school, collegiate, and Olympic levels. His ability to combine heavyweight power with exceptional athleticism changed perceptions of what was possible in the division and elevated him to global recognition in the sport.

Gable Dan Stevenson is an American freestyle wrestler who has had one of the most successful careers in the sport’s contemporary age. Steveson, who is named after the famous wrestler Dan Gable, has lived up to his name by making history at the high school, college, and Olympic levels. He changed what others thought was possible in the class by combining heavyweight size with unusual quickness and explosiveness. He became a global presence in wrestling.

Early Life and Foundation

Gable On May 31, 2000, Dan Steveson was born in Portage, Indiana. He then moved to Apple Valley, Minnesota. Wrestling was a big part of his childhood, and it was clear from an early age that he was physically gifted. Stevenson grew up in a competitive sports atmosphere, and he rapidly became one of the best heavyweight prospects in the country.

High School Dominance

Stevenson went to Apple Valley High School, which has one of the best wrestling teams in the country. By any metric, his time in high school was amazing:

• Career Record: 210–3
• Minnesota Four-time State Champion: State Champion
• International Age-Group Success: Won the Cadet World Championship twice and the Junior World Championship once.

His performance at the state and international youth levels made him a generational star and prepared the groundwork for his success in college and the Olympics.

Collegiate Stardom at the University of Minnesota

Steveson signed with the University of Minnesota and will wrestle for the Golden Gophers at heavyweight (285 lbs). His college career is one of the most decorated in NCAA history.

Stevenson’s style set him apart from other heavyweights of the time. He was powerful, quick, and creative, and he often scored from scrambles and finished explosive double-leg takedowns that were rare for his weight class. 

Olympic Glory: Tokyo 2020

Steveson reached the top of amateur wrestling at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. He won the Olympic gold medal in men’s freestyle at 125 kilos in one of the most exciting finals in wrestling history. 

Steveson secured the gold medal match against Geno Petriashvili of Georgia with a decisive last-second takedown. His celebration, a spectacular backflip right after the match, became a famous Olympic moment. It showed how confident and athletic he was at about 6’1″ and 275 pounds. 

Senior International Career

Steveson’s Olympic gold medal is his biggest international achievement, although he has also done well at the senior level, winning the 2021 Senior Pan American Championships. He was also the U.S. World Team representative for the 2023 World Championships, but he didn’t compete since he wanted to look for other chances.

Transition and Professional Endeavors

Since winning the Olympics, Steveson has looked at many different professional sports opportunities: 

• WWE: He signed with WWE in 2021, making him the first college athlete to sign an NIL deal with the company. He didn’t last long in professional wrestling, and he was officially let go in May 2024.
• NFL: Steveson also explored professional football, signing a contract with the Buffalo Bills in May 2024 as an undrafted free agent, but was waived (released) in August 2024 before the start of the regular season.
• Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): He transitioned to professional MMA, making his debut on September 12, 2025, and winning his first two fights via technical knockout in the heavyweight division.
• Return to Minnesota: He returned to the University of Minnesota as a graduate student for the 2024–2025 wrestling season, competing once again for the Golden Gophers.

Conclusion

Gable Dan Stevenson’s career is marked by consistent excellence and exceptional success at a young age. His resume makes him one of the best amateur wrestlers in U.S. history. He has a near-perfect high school record, multiple age-group world titles, and an unmatched run in college. His Olympic gold medal is the best thing he’s ever done in a career full of success, new ideas, and amazing memories.Despite transitioning to professional football and MMA, Steveson’s legacy as one of wrestling’s all-time great heavyweights remains unwavering. He is noted for his speed, power, and famous Olympic finish.

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