Columbus Celebrates Sammy Sasso’s Inspiring Return to Wrestling After Life-Threatening Injury

Columbus Welcomes Sammy Sasso Back to the Mat After Traumatic Injury

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio State wrestler Sammy Sasso made a remarkable return to competition on Thursday night, February 8, 2024, just months after suffering a life-threatening gunshot wound. The standout athlete faced off against Jackson Hurst of UT-Chattanooga in the Covelli Center, marking his first match since the incident.

Background of the Incident

On August 18, 2023, Sasso was shot by a carjacker near the Ohio State campus. The bullet caused severe damage, shattering his L5 vertebra and lodging in his spine, which resulted in nerve damage impacting his mobility. He underwent emergency surgeries to reconstruct his colon and remove the bullet, followed by extensive rehabilitation. He spent 41 days in the hospital and endured 14 months of rehabilitation before returning to the mat.

Overcoming Challenges

Ohio State wrestling coach Tom Ryan, who also has his own story of resilience following a near-fatal car accident, spoke about the complexities of Sasso’s recovery. He described the biological challenges involved in the nervous system, expressing how Sasso would need to adapt to new ways of wrestling given the changes in his neural communication. “He has nerve damage,” Ryan explained. “It’s like having a half-inch hose watering your lawn versus a fire hose,” referring to the differences in how efficiently signals travel within Sasso’s body now.

An Inspiring Comeback

Sasso’s return to the mat was met with enthusiastic support, as he received a standing ovation from the crowd of 3,419 at the Covelli Center. The moment was monumental, as Sasso was not only returning to a sport he loves but showcasing the strength of his spirit and determination. As the crowd chanted his name, Sasso displayed his skills with three takedowns in the first period, ultimately winning the match 11-6.

Reflecting on the moment, Sasso shared, “It was nice to knock off the dust, get back on the mat in front of a crowd and get back to the sport I have loved since I was 8 years old. There were a lot of emotions involved with it tonight.”

Looking Ahead

As Sasso continues to adjust to his new physical and neurological realities, he remains focused on his wrestling goals. He downplayed concerns about long-term neural transmission issues, insisting, “I didn’t hurt as bad as you think. I think a lot of good came out of it.” His journey has afforded him a new perspective on hard work and dedication, which will be pivotal as he prepares for upcoming competitions, particularly the Big Ten championships on March 8-9 and the NCAA championships scheduled for March 20-22.

Legal Developments

Regarding the shooting incident, the suspect, a teen accused of the crime, now faces charges as an adult, including aggravated robbery and felonious assault. When asked about the case, Sasso refrained from commenting, expressing his desire to keep the focus on his recovery and wrestling.

A New Chapter

Ryan commended Sasso’s commitment to the sport, stating, “He deeply loves the sport and he’s willing to outwork anybody to find success.” Both coach and athlete have formed a unique bond as they navigate their respective recovery journeys, taking on their challenges with a newly fortified sense of purpose. Sasso, who holds a degree in sports industry and is pursuing post-graduate work, aspires to coach at the collegiate level while striving for a national title that has so far eluded him.

As Sasso continues to heal and grow, the world of wrestling watches in admiration, recognizing not only the physical challenges he must overcome but the inspiration he provides to many.