Olympic wrestling star caught in police sting operation
Kyle Snyder , a US Olympic gold medalist and three-time world wrestling champion, was arrested on Friday, May 9, as part of a prostitution sting operation in Columbus, Ohio. The 29-year-old was among 16 men charged during a targeted operation on the city’s North Side, the Columbus Division of Police confirmed.
According to police spokesperson Caitlyn McIntosh, the operation was carried out by the Police and Community Together (PACT) unit, which posted online ads to “solicit others to engage in sexual activity for hire.” Around 8:15 p.m., Snyder allegedly responded to one of the ads by phone and text, and arranged a meeting at a nearby hotel.
When Snyder arrived at the hotel, police said he paid an undercover officer in cash and requested oral sex. He was then arrested on the spot for engaging in prostitution. Snyder was released at the scene but has been summoned to appear in court on May 19.
A decorated career overshadowed
Snyder’s arrest marks a stunning turn for one of American wrestling’s most accomplished athletes. He rose to prominence in 2016 when, at just 20 years old, he became the youngest American wrestler to win an Olympic gold medal during the Rio de Janeiro Games. He followed that achievement with a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
During his collegiate career at Ohio State University, Snyder won three consecutive NCAA heavyweight championships from 2016 to 2018. He also played a pivotal role in Ohio State's 2015 national team title and was inducted into the university’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024.
His accolades also include three world championship titles, further cementing his legacy as one of the most dominant US wrestlers of his generation.
Recent developments in Snyder’s career
Just a week before his arrest, Snyder signed with the newly launched Real American Freestyle wrestling league — a venture led by professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan . According to the Associated Press, the league’s first event is scheduled for August 30 in Cleveland.
The timing of Snyder’s arrest puts his involvement with the new league into uncertainty, though neither he nor the league has issued a public statement as of yet.
Snyder, who was arrested inside the hotel room by uniformed officers, has not commented publicly on the incident. He is expected to appear in court on May 19 to face the charge. The Columbus police have not announced additional legal consequences at this stage.
The arrest of a prominent Olympic figure has sparked widespread reaction and scrutiny, casting a shadow over a career built on athletic excellence and national pride.
Kyle Snyder , a US Olympic gold medalist and three-time world wrestling champion, was arrested on Friday, May 9, as part of a prostitution sting operation in Columbus, Ohio. The 29-year-old was among 16 men charged during a targeted operation on the city’s North Side, the Columbus Division of Police confirmed.
According to police spokesperson Caitlyn McIntosh, the operation was carried out by the Police and Community Together (PACT) unit, which posted online ads to “solicit others to engage in sexual activity for hire.” Around 8:15 p.m., Snyder allegedly responded to one of the ads by phone and text, and arranged a meeting at a nearby hotel.
When Snyder arrived at the hotel, police said he paid an undercover officer in cash and requested oral sex. He was then arrested on the spot for engaging in prostitution. Snyder was released at the scene but has been summoned to appear in court on May 19.
A decorated career overshadowed
Snyder’s arrest marks a stunning turn for one of American wrestling’s most accomplished athletes. He rose to prominence in 2016 when, at just 20 years old, he became the youngest American wrestler to win an Olympic gold medal during the Rio de Janeiro Games. He followed that achievement with a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
During his collegiate career at Ohio State University, Snyder won three consecutive NCAA heavyweight championships from 2016 to 2018. He also played a pivotal role in Ohio State's 2015 national team title and was inducted into the university’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024.
His accolades also include three world championship titles, further cementing his legacy as one of the most dominant US wrestlers of his generation.
Recent developments in Snyder’s career
Just a week before his arrest, Snyder signed with the newly launched Real American Freestyle wrestling league — a venture led by professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan . According to the Associated Press, the league’s first event is scheduled for August 30 in Cleveland.
The timing of Snyder’s arrest puts his involvement with the new league into uncertainty, though neither he nor the league has issued a public statement as of yet.
Snyder, who was arrested inside the hotel room by uniformed officers, has not commented publicly on the incident. He is expected to appear in court on May 19 to face the charge. The Columbus police have not announced additional legal consequences at this stage.
The arrest of a prominent Olympic figure has sparked widespread reaction and scrutiny, casting a shadow over a career built on athletic excellence and national pride.
You may also like
Stop supporting terror or face annihilation: PM to Pakistan
Pakistan's game: Harbour terrorists, stage captures & gain favours from US
CISF Jawan, Accomplice Held For Smuggling Gold Hidden In Socks At Mumbai Airport
India-Pakistan tensions: Rajnath Singh reviews security, tells forces to maintain highest vigil
Operation Sindoor: Indian air defence renders Turkish drones ineffective
