Gomez announces return to college wrestling, will compete for Michigan
Austin Gomez is returning to college wrestling.
Gomez announced last May that he would not be applying for a medical hardship year. That plan changed.
He applied for a medical hardship and was approved earlier this week. On Wednesday, Gomez announced on social media that he will be competing for the University of Michigan. He had been training with the Cliff Keen Wrestling Club in Ann Arbor, Mich.
He is expected to slot in the Wolverines lineup at 149 pounds.
Gomez started his college wrestling career in 2017 at Iowa State, reaching the round of 12 at 133 pounds in 2019. After battling concussions and injuries, Gomez stepped away from wrestling for a couple years before announcing his return to college wrestling in 2021 at Wisconsin. As a Badger, Gomez placed fourth at the 2022 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships at 149 pounds. This past season, Gomez defeated four-time NCAA champion Yianni Diakhomiahlis early in the season but suffered a leg injury in a late January dual meet against Northwestern. Gomez's injury hindered his performance as he went 0-2 at the Big Ten Wrestling Championships but earned an at-large berth. At the 2023 NCAA Division I Championships, Gomez went 2-2 and fell short of All-America honors.
Gomez has compiled a career college record of 59-17. He competes internationally in freestyle for Mexico.