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At just 29 years old, Kyle Snyder is one of the most accomplished athletes in USA wrestling history. The Maryland native won his first world championship in 2015 at the age of 19 and has since won two more world titles as well as an Olympic gold medal in Rio in 2016. But on Monday, Snyder found himself in the news for less glorious reasons after news broke that he was arrested as part of a prostitution sting by police in Columbus, Ohio.
The sting occurred on Friday, May 9, according to Police Sgt. Joe Albert. Snyder allegedly engaged in phone calls and text messages with an undercover officer to set up the meeting. He then went to a nearby hotel and paid an undercover officer in cash before requesting a sexual act. Police arrested Snyder for engaging in prostitution and he was released from custody at the scene.
Kyle Snyder Signed To Wrestle In Hulk Hogan-Backed League Prior To Arrest
In addition to his Olympic gold and three world titles, Snyder had a pair of world silver medals and took silver at the Tokyo Olympics in the 97 kilogram (213.3 pounds) weight class. Snyder also wrestled collegiately for Ohio State University, where he was a three-time national champion.
Additionally, Snyder recently signed to compete in the Hulk Hogan-backed Real American Freestyle Wrestling league.
“David (Carr), Kyle (Snyder), Aaron (Brooks, Trent (Hidlay), and Kyle (Dake) represent the best of the best, and that’s who we’re targeting for Real American Freestyle,” Hogan said in a statement shortly after the announcement. “Our goal is to give these athletes an opportunity to continue their careers, create a platform for greatness, and inspire a legacy that lasts.”
Neither Hogan nor RAFW have commented on Snyder’s arrest. Snyder was one of 16 men caught in the sting and is scheduled for a hearing on May 19.