Kyle Dake: Complete Biography
From small-town New York wrestler to Olympic medalist—the complete life story of one of wrestling's all-time greats.
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Who is Kyle Dake?
Kyle Douglas Dake (born February 25, 1991) is an American freestyle wrestler who competes at 74 kilograms (165 lbs). He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers in American history, having achieved success at every level of competition.
At 33 years old, Kyle continues to compete at the highest level of international wrestling. Standing 5 feet 9 inches talland competing at 165 pounds (74 kg), he has built a legendary career through dedication, adaptability, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
Born and raised in Lansing, New York, Kyle's journey from small-town high school wrestler to Olympic medalist is one of the most inspiring stories in American sports. His historic achievement of winning 4 NCAA Championships at 4 different weight classesremains unmatched in college wrestling history.
Early Life (1991-2009)
Kyle Dake was born on February 25, 1991, in Ithaca, New York, and grew up in the nearby town of Lansing. He came from a wrestling family—his brothers Cole, Nate, and Sam all wrestled at the University at Buffalo.
At Lansing High School, Kyle established himself as one of the top wrestlers in the nation. He compiled an impressive 212-3 record and won four New York State Championships. His dominance earned him the prestigious Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award, recognizing him as the nation's top high school wrestler.
Despite interest from wrestling powerhouses across the country, Kyle chose to stay close to home and attend Cornell Universityin Ithaca—a decision that would lead to one of the most historic college wrestling careers ever.
Cornell Years (2010-2013): Making History
Kyle's college career at Cornell University was nothing short of legendary. From his freshman year in 2010 to his senior year in 2013, he accomplished what no wrestler had ever done before—winning NCAA championships at four different weight classes.
His 137-4 college record (97.2% win percentage) includes victories over future Olympic medalists and world champions. Each year, Kyle moved up in weight and continued to dominate, showing remarkable adaptability and skill across multiple weight classes.
Athletic Achievements
- •4x NCAA Champion (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
- •Only wrestler to win at 141, 149, 157, 165 lbs
- •Dan Hodge Trophy Winner (2013)
- •2x NCAA Most Outstanding Wrestler
- •2 undefeated seasons (36-0, 31-0)
Academic Success
- •Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
- •4x Academic All-American
- •Master's in Sports Psychology (2022)
- •Balanced elite athletics with rigorous academics
- •Graduated with honors from Cornell
International Career (2013-Present)
After his historic college career, Kyle transitioned to senior freestyle wrestling, setting his sights on World Championships and the Olympics. Competing at 74kg, he faced the world's best wrestlers and consistently proved he belonged at the top.
World Championships
- 2018 Budapest: Gold at 79kg
- 2019 Nur-Sultan: Gold at 79kg
- 2021 Oslo: Gold at 74kg
- First American to win worlds in non-Olympic weight (2018)
Olympic Games
- 2021 Tokyo: Bronze at 74kg
- 2024 Paris: Bronze at 74kg
- First American repeat Olympic medalist since 1992
- First repeat 74kg medalist since 2008
Other Honors
- Multiple Pan American Championships
- World Cup medals
- US Open Championships
- Beat Jordan Burroughs for Olympic spot
The 2021 Olympic Trials: Defeating a Legend
To earn his spot on the 2021 U.S. Olympic Team, Kyle had to defeat Jordan Burroughs—the 2012 Olympic gold medalist and one of the greatest American wrestlers of all time. In a best-of-three series, Kyle won two consecutive matches (3-0 and 3-2), ending Burroughs' decade-long streak of making every World and Olympic team.
Read the complete Dake vs Burroughs rivalry →Personal Life & Education
Family & Background
Kyle grew up in Lansing, New York, in a wrestling family. His three brothers—Cole, Nate, and Sam Dake—all wrestled collegiately at the University at Buffalo, creating a family legacy in the sport.
Despite his international success and Olympic medals, Kyle has remained grounded and connected to his upstate New York roots. He continues to train and inspire the next generation of wrestlers while competing at the highest level.
Education & Intelligence
Kyle is as accomplished in the classroom as he is on the mat. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accountingfrom Cornell while competing as a 4-time NCAA Champion, maintaining Academic All-American status all four years.
In 2022, Kyle completed a Master's Degree in Sports Psychology from Cornell, demonstrating his commitment to understanding the mental aspects of elite competition and helping future athletes succeed.
Physical Stats & Training
Legacy & Impact
Kyle Dake's legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time is already secure. His achievement of winning 4 NCAA titles at 4 different weight classes remains unmatched and may never be duplicated. His success has inspired countless young wrestlers to push their limits and dream bigger.
Beyond his competitive achievements, Kyle has become a role model for student-athletes everywhere, proving that excellence in academics and athletics are not mutually exclusive. His journey from small-town New York to the Olympic podium demonstrates what dedication, hard work, and perseverance can achieve.
As he continues to compete at age 33, Kyle remains one of America's top wrestlers, consistently defeating younger competitors and proving that experience and technique can triumph over youth. His impact on American wrestling will be felt for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Kyle Dake in 2024?
Kyle Dake is 33 years old in 2024. He was born on February 25, 1991, in Lansing, New York.
How tall is Kyle Dake and how much does he weigh?
Kyle Dake is 5 feet 9 inches tall (175 cm) and competes at 165 pounds (74 kg) in freestyle wrestling.
Where did Kyle Dake go to college?
Kyle Dake attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where he won 4 NCAA Championships from 2010-2013 and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. He later returned to earn a Master's in Sports Psychology in 2022.
Is Kyle Dake married?
Kyle Dake keeps his personal life private, focusing public attention on his wrestling career and achievements.
What makes Kyle Dake unique in wrestling history?
Kyle Dake is the only wrestler in history to win NCAA Division I Championships at four different weight classes (141, 149, 157, 165 lbs). He's also one of only four wrestlers to win 4 NCAA titles, and he's earned 2 Olympic bronze medals and 3 World Championship gold medals.
Watch Kyle's Story Unfold
Experience the complete journey from small-town wrestler to Olympic medalist in Four For Four, the documentary that follows Kyle's historic quest for 4 NCAA titles.
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