MOUNT VERNON — The adage “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” doesn’t apply when you win the Greco-Roman and Freestyle events in the 242-pound class at the U.S. Wrestling Open.
That’s precisely what Mount Vernon’s Alex Taylor did. The victories earned him the right to see how he fares against the best in the world.
Taylor will earn his frequent flier miles this summer.
“I’ll be flying to Colorado a bunch of times to the Olympic training center, preparing for the world [championship],” Taylor said.
The other trips will be a bit farther.
He will be in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from June 19 to 21 for the Pan American Games. A week later, he will travel to Greece for the World Championships.
“I am extremely grateful that I get to do this. Most people do not. I’m going to try and live it up and enjoy it the best that I can,” Taylor said.
There is no question that the wrestler’s success is a family affair.
“It’s great to be a dad; very exciting but also nerve-wracking,” Zach Taylor said of his son.
Amanda, Alex’s mother, said, “I’m very proud; it’s amazing and wild.”
Sadie, the champion wrestler’s younger sister, plays AAU basketball. There is nothing like a younger sibling to bring even a world-class athlete back to earth.
“It’s amazing. I never thought he would be this good,” she said.
Taylor’s other sibling, Jake, also a wrestler, said, “It’s been a long time coming. We’ve been training hard together ever since we were little.
“We’ve been friends and go everywhere together. I’ve always known he was capable of this; he has shown it time and time again.”
Alex was quick to credit those who helped him along the way.
“I am grateful to my coaches and basically my supporting cast,” Taylor said.
Mount Vernon wrestling coach Corey Firebaugh knew Alex was special when he coached him in youth wrestling.
“He has always loved the sport and has the drive to be the best he can be,” Firebaugh said. “This is just the beginning of what Alex is capable of. He has shown the state and the country these past few years, and now he has the chance to show the world.”
While it is down the road a bit, the Mount Vernon standout is looking ahead to the pinnacle of his sport.
“The Olympics are a ways off, but, yeah, that is definitely the ultimate goal,” Alex said.
