Just imagine getting to meet Spencer Lee—it could be an unforgettable moment! But what if Spencer had the chance to meet his own heroes? Picture him hanging out with LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Snoop Dog; you might expect him to be starstruck, but that’s not really his vibe. To understand this, let’s rewind to just a month ago. After two grueling years recovering from double ACL surgery and less than a year since a surprising loss that cost him a shot at a fourth straight NCAA championship, he made an incredible comeback at the Paris Olympics.
There, he fought his way to the top of the 57-kilogram division and ultimately won a silver medal. But in doing so, Japan’s Rei Higuchi edged him out 4-2, clinching the win with a last-second takedown. And who was watching Lee’s comeback? Americans’ right? LeBron, Steph, and Snoop were all there to witness his epic return! But it seems that doesn’t bother Spencer Lee.
Recently, RUDIS shared a YouTube video featuring Spencer Lee titled “Spencer Lee | Unlocked.” During the interview, the host posed the question, “Have you ever been starstruck?” Lee’s response was unexpected. He explained that he doesn’t really experience that feeling, saying, “No, I don’t really get like that. You know, I don’t know if it’s ego or if it was like confidence growing up, but I never really cared about people who are famous or who are like, good.” He further mentioned that even during the Olympics, meeting legends like LeBron James and Steph Curry felt pretty casual for him.
Lee recalled meeting Snoop Dogg, who gave him a friendly dab, and while it was cool, he didn’t find himself overly starstruck. He just greeted him with a laid-back, “Hey, Snoop Dogg, sick.” However, he admitted that if anyone could make him feel starstruck, it would be Faker from League of Legends Esports; he thinks Faker is pretty cool and would definitely get his attention. Looking back on his journey, it’s clear Spencer has faced a lot of challenges to make it to the Paris Olympic stage.
How Spencer Lee earned his place on the Paris Olympic stage
When Spencer Lee snagged the silver medal, he became the first Iowa alum to reach the championship match since current Hawkeyes coach Tom Brands won gold back in 1996. But Paris for him was about so much more than just the medal; it really brought his unique story into the spotlight. He’s not your typical wrestler—eccentric and introverted; Lee loves Pokemon and fantasy graphic novels.
In 2021, Lee wrestled through a torn ACL in his right knee, only to tear the ACL in his left during the NCAA tournament. Even with limited movement and the inability to sprawl or shoot, he somehow clinched his third straight NCAA title. Unfortunately, those injuries meant he couldn’t compete in the 2021 Olympic trials. After initially trying to rest, he ultimately chose to undergo surgery on both knees, which kept him out for the entire 2021-22 college season.
Lee returned to the mat midway through the 2022–23 season and dominated, winning all 20 of his matches until the NCAA semifinals. His journey to the Paris Olympics was no walk in the park, either. In the U.S. Olympic trials, he faced off against former Iowa wrestler Thomas Gilman, who had won bronze in Tokyo. Lee won the best-of-three match 6-3 and then pinned Gilman to take the national title.
But that victory didn’t automatically secure his spot in Paris; he also had to finish in the top three at the World Olympic Games Qualifier in Istanbul. There, he showed his dominance, winning all four matches with an impressive combined score of 42-11, earning his ticket to the Olympics! In a nutshell, Spencer Lee’s skills have turned his Olympic dreams into a reality!
