Olympic gold medalist Kyle Snyder has commented publicly for the first time since his arrest on charges of engaging in prostitution. The arrest occurred during a sting operation conducted by Columbus Police last Friday.
Authorities carried out the operation using an online escort advertisement, which ultimately led to 16 arrests, including Snyder. He was apprehended after allegedly responding to the ad and arranging a meeting at a local Quality Inn and Suites Hotel. Upon arriving, Snyder reportedly offered payment to an undercover officer for oral sex, resulting in his arrest.
Snyder addressed the incident on social media on Wednesday.
“I want to thank everyone who has reached out with kindness and support,” Snyder wrote. “My focus is on my relationship with the Lord Jesus and my family. This is not the conclusion of my journey.”
Police later released video footage of the arrest, showing Snyder being escorted away in handcuffs after the operation. Authorities confiscated $160 in cash from Snyder before formally charging him with engaging in prostitution.
Widely recognized as one of the most decorated wrestlers in American history, Snyder was arrested in Columbus, Ohio. This is the city where he attended The Ohio State University and became a three-time National Champion during his collegiate career.
While at Ohio State, Snyder also made history in 2016 by becoming the youngest American ever to win an Olympic gold medal in wrestling. He secured a silver medal at the 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) and competed in his third Olympic Games this past year in Paris, where he did not secure a medal.
Snyder is scheduled to appear in court on May 19 to face the charges resulting from his arrest.
