Way to go Spencer!!

A Fistful of Hawkeyes · Nov 3, 2026

Wrestleknownothing said:
I wonder what the cumulative effect of having the same surgery repeated would be. Does it impact the attachment points? Can they be reused? Or do they need to change? Is it harder to perform each time? Is each subsequent repair as strong as the previous?

From my understanding the risk of another failure is quite higher with each repair. At some point it very well could become too complext to repair at all and the ortho docs advice against it alltogether. It's entirely possible that's what he meant by "I only have so many tears left."c

IMO- I think he doesn't get it fixed and rolls the dice on the bad leg, fully aware that he doesn't have "too many tears left" and wants to have a some mobility for the rest of his life. So gut it out now and see what happens.

Plus, personally I think medaling and getting those byes in final x is so damn important for a him, especially now. Addtionally, you got to take a look at those tweeners at 61kg. Some hammers are going to make the drop to 57 for OTT. Would he rather wrestle injured and knock out 1 or 2 or go on short recovery and take on the whole field?

He's thinking about his future and weighing all options. He's a smart guy and will make the best choice for him.

vhsalum · Nov 3, 2026

A Fistful of Hawkeyes said:
From my understanding the risk of another failure is quite higher with each repair. At some point it very well could become too complext to repair at all and the ortho docs advice against it alltogether. It's entirely possible that's what he meant by "I only have so many tears left."c

IMO- I think he doesn't get it fixed and rolls the dice on the bad leg, fully aware that he doesn't have "too many tears left" and wants to have a some mobility for the rest of his life. So gut it out now and see what happens.

Plus, personally I think medaling and getting those byes in final x is so damn important for a him, especially now. Plus, you got to take a look at those tweeners at 61kg. Some hammers are going to make the drop to 57 for OTT. Would he rather wrestle injured and knock out 1 or go on short recovery and take on the whole field?

He's thinking about his future and weighing all options. He's a smart guy and will make the best choice for him.

Agreed.

Mattski · Nov 3, 2026

Corby2 said:
In the next 13 months he will have his 2 out of 3 for the 2027 world team which he could delay until August which is 10 months from now . Then it's 2027 Worlds in September and the Olympic trials in December then a long break before the Olympics. Take a break now and rehab next competition is in 10 months

Doing all of that without an ACL would be extremely challenging. There's only so much "rehab" you're doing when you don't have an ACL.
Imo if winning Olympic gold is the ultimate goal, getting as healthy as possible before the trials should be the focus. 13 months post ACL surgery he'll be far better than he will be without one. I think he'd have a better shot going thru trials with a repaired ACL than he will be doing everything he'd need to prior without one. It's very likely coming down to him and lilledahl regardless, I'd rather face him in a 2 out of 3 as healthy as possible, not to mention the Olympics as healthy as possible.

aije · Nov 3, 2026

This page specifically addresses the issue of 3 time ACL replacement. Its author is a sports medicine surgeon who has worked for the White Sox, Patriots and Bulls.
He says it's a completely different operation from earlier procedures that might have been done and he explains why. He also says that it is possible for an elite athelete to return to competition after 3 ACL replacements, but the recovery is extremely difficult.

https://drfrankmccormickmd.com/what-happens-if-you-tear-your-acl-3-times/

AndreTheHawk · Nov 3, 2026

HugoHugo said:
Very happy that Spencer brought home the gold for himself and the USA!

What keeps entering into my mind is why he would announce that he again tore his ACL? I can see no advantage to letting anyone know, let alone future competitors.

It's been a continuous issue for him for a decade. It's a high likelihood he's injured in some fashion when he wrestles. The question is can you do anything about it? Most can't, because he's uummm, Spencer Lee.

AndreTheHawk · Nov 3, 2026

Wrestleknownothing said:
I wonder what the cumulative effect of having the same surgery repeated would be. Does it impact the attachment points? Can they be reused? Or do they need to change? Is it harder to perform each time? Is each subsequent repair as strong as the previous?

No idea. I didn't even know we had ACL's until Spencer Lee came around.

Corby2 · Nov 3, 2026

Mattski said:
Doing all of that without an ACL would be extremely challenging. There's only so much "rehab" you're doing when you don't have an ACL.
Imo if winning Olympic gold is the ultimate goal, getting as healthy as possible before the trials should be the focus. 13 months post ACL surgery he'll be far better than he will be without one. I think he'd have a better shot going thru trials with a repaired ACL than he will be doing everything he'd need to prior without one. It's very likely coming down to him and lilledahl regardless, I'd rather face him in a 2 out of 3 as healthy as possible, not to mention the Olympics as healthy as possible.

Well they keep tearing and hes been good with 1 in the past . He struggled without having any. People wrestle with ACL tears every college season. He was emotional and spoke about it when he shouldn't have. In college that's the job of the SID to calm you down before you speak. At a world championships they take you immediately to the interview and you don't have that SID .

Corby2 · Nov 3, 2026

aije said:
This page specifically addresses the issue of 3 time ACL replacement. Its author is a sports medicine surgeon who has worked for the White Sox, Patriots and Bulls.
He says it's a completely different operation from earlier procedures that might have been done and he explains why. He also says that it is possible for an elite athelete to return to competition after 3 ACL replacements, but the recovery is extremely difficult.

https://drfrankmccormickmd.com/what-happens-if-you-tear-your-acl-3-times/

Exactly and they keep tearing so surgery is pointless at this point unless he retires

Wrestleknownothing · Nov 3, 2026

aije said:
This page specifically addresses the issue of 3 time ACL replacement. Its author is a sports medicine surgeon who has worked for the White Sox, Patriots and Bulls.
He says it's a completely different operation from earlier procedures that might have been done and he explains why. He also says that it is possible for an elite athelete to return to competition after 3 ACL replacements, but the recovery is extremely difficult.

https://drfrankmccormickmd.com/what-happens-if-you-tear-your-acl-3-times/

As I read this a third repair would likely require an extended rehab process that might even jeopardize his preparedness for Olympic trials in 2028. It makes me feel Lee will skip the surgery.

Mr. PeanutButter · Nov 3, 2026

aije said:
This page specifically addresses the issue of 3 time ACL replacement. Its author is a sports medicine surgeon who has worked for the White Sox, Patriots and Bulls.
He says it's a completely different operation from earlier procedures that might have been done and he explains why. He also says that it is possible for an elite athelete to return to competition after 3 ACL replacements, but the recovery is extremely difficult.

https://drfrankmccormickmd.com/what-happens-if-you-tear-your-acl-3-times/

Yikes. That was a gut punch. I was really thinking that surgery would be the best option for maximizing his chances at Olympic gold but this makes it sound like a it will require a heck of a recovery. I wish USA wrestling would hurry up and confirm or deny whether US trials will be in December as heavily rumoured. If they remain in April as has been the case historically, I think the surgery route becomes much more palatable

Corby2 · Nov 3, 2026

Mr. PeanutButter said:
Yikes. That was a gut punch. I was really thinking that surgery would be the best option for maximizing his chances at Olympic gold but this makes it sound like a it will require a heck of a recovery. I wish USA wrestling would hurry up and confirm or deny whether US trials will be in December as heavily rumoured. If they remain in April as has been the case historically, I think the surgery route becomes much more palatable

Have heard December for awhile now. But that could definitely change .

Wrestleknownothing · Nov 3, 2026

Corby2 said:
Have heard December for awhile now. But that could definitely change .

I do not think it means very much, but NBC is still saying early 2028.

"The U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials are scheduled to take place in early 2028. Exact dates and locations have not yet been announced by USA Wrestling."

What to know about the 2028 U.S. Olympic Trials

The top athletes across the country will compete for a spot on Team USA for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

www.nbcolympics.com

Mattski · Nov 3, 2026

Corby2 said:
Well they keep tearing and hes been good with 1 in the past . He struggled without having any. People wrestle with ACL tears every college season. He was emotional and spoke about it when he shouldn't have. In college that's the job of the SID to calm you down before you speak. At a world championships they take you immediately to the interview and you don't have that SID .

It's not like they're tearing every time he wrestles. To win gold in LA I think he needs to at least give himself a chance to be as healthy as possible. If he doesn't fix it, he's guaranteed to not be healthy. Look at it this way, if he repairs it and rehabs and at some point retears it, he's right back where he is now. Forget 2027 worlds, he's already got a WC. All focus should be on getting ready for LA 2028.

Mattski · Nov 3, 2026

aije said:
This page specifically addresses the issue of 3 time ACL replacement. Its author is a sports medicine surgeon who has worked for the White Sox, Patriots and Bulls.
He says it's a completely different operation from earlier procedures that might have been done and he explains why. He also says that it is possible for an elite athelete to return to competition after 3 ACL replacements, but the recovery is extremely difficult.

https://drfrankmccormickmd.com/what-happens-if-you-tear-your-acl-3-times/

Has he torn the same ACL 3 times or is he at 2 and 2?

lookleftgoright · Nov 3, 2026

I may have already mentioned this, but I know a guy who had some type of deformity in his knee and he kept tearing ACLs. Each of his brothers had the same problem. He finally hung its up after the 2 or 3rd ACL tear. The doctor said he would just keep tearing it because of the way his knee bones were. I am guessing SL has a similar problem.

Corby2 · Nov 3, 2026

Mattski said:
It's not like they're tearing every time he wrestles. To win gold in LA I think he needs to at least give himself a chance to be as healthy as possible. If he doesn't fix it, he's guaranteed to not be healthy. Look at it this way, if he repairs it and rehabs and at some point retears it, he's right back where he is now. Forget 2027 worlds, he's already got a WC. All focus should be on getting ready for LA 2028.

If they move trials back to April that changes things

Stick Kitty · Nov 3, 2026

Mattski said:
It's not like they're tearing every time he wrestles. To win gold in LA I think he needs to at least give himself a chance to be as healthy as possible. If he doesn't fix it, he's guaranteed to not be healthy. Look at it this way, if he repairs it and rehabs and at some point retears it, he's right back where he is now. Forget 2027 worlds, he's already got a WC. All focus should be on getting ready for LA 2028.

That was my thinking aligned with a new strength coach based on water rehab could be different. If he only has one left for the rest of his life do you use it for Gold or wait until the shoes come off to walk the rest of your life.

To me Spencer would regret not getting it done and trying to be as healthy as possible. But I see it both ways. Good debate here...

FF141 · Nov 3, 2026

Stick Kitty said:
That was my thinking aligned with a new strength coach based on water rehab could be different. If he only has one left for the rest of his life do you use it for Gold or wait until the shoes come off to walk the rest of your life.

To me Spencer would regret not getting it done and trying to be as healthy as possible. But I see it both ways. Good debate here...

Getting it done doesn’t mean he’s as healthy as possible. It’s a 20 month window till Oly 2028. Lots of variables. What can he tolerate better. The rehab frim surgery and not being in any kind of shape following or rehabbing the knee as is. Both can have complications. Reminder. In my opinion the best he’s looked the last 10 years is when he dog walked everybody with 1 Good ACL…

cphawkinthelou · Nov 3, 2026

Who was the guy taking pictures with Spencer after he won? I know the voice, but can't place it...former wrestler/HWC? Loved his enthusiasm!

Stick Kitty · Nov 3, 2026

FF141 said:
Getting it done doesn’t mean he’s as healthy as possible. It’s a 20 month window till Oly 2028. Lots of variables. What can he tolerate better. The rehab frim surgery and not being in any kind of shape following or rehabbing the knee as is. Both can have complications. Reminder. In my opinion the best he’s looked the last 10 years is when he dog walked everybody with 1 Good ACL…

He dog walked RBY but he was almost teched in the match before that if he wasn't so slick in folk. There was also that stumble. Just having that knee repaired my save him on defense in LA 2028. But I agree the time frame isn't ideal but the word is out and at this level they have time to game plan against him with that perceived weakness. IMO he can get it done and go Rocky 4.

FF141 · Nov 3, 2026

Stick Kitty said:
He dog walked RBY but he was almost teched in the match before that if he wasn't so slick in folk. There was also that stumble. Just having that knee repaired my save him on defense in LA 2028. But I agree the time frame isn't ideal but the word is out and at this level they have time to game plan against him with that perceived weakness. IMO he can get it done and go Rocky 4.

And he DNPd last year when “healthy”…..and not sure the time frame but how bout the loss to LL? Was that before or after the tear?
I reallyw don’t know which is better. But pool work and ACL rehab won’t get him in any kind of wrestling shape. I think I personally would rather focus on making the leg stable and adjusting to wrestling like it is. I remember them talking how the rehab process post acl was grueling. I think I’d rather focus on Trials worlds and LA28 .

Corby2 · Nov 3, 2026

cphawkinthelou said:
Who was the guy taking pictures with Spencer after he won? I know the voice, but can't place it...former wrestler/HWC? Loved his enthusiasm!

Royce Alger

HawkAlum2002 · Nov 3, 2026

FF141 said:
And he DNPd last year when “healthy”…..and not sure the time frame but how bout the loss to LL? Was that before or after the tear?
I reallyw don’t know which is better. But pool work and ACL rehab won’t get him in any kind of wrestling shape. I think I personally would rather focus on making the leg stable and adjusting to wrestling like it is. I remember them talking how the rehab process post acl was grueling. I think I’d rather focus on Trials worlds and LA28 .

For clarification Spencer did not medal in 2025, but he did place (9th) as far as team points (top 10 places earn points).

FF141 · Nov 3, 2026

HawkAlum2002 said:
For clarification Spencer did not medal in 2025, but he did place (9th) as far as team points (top 10 places earn points).

Thanks for the clarification. Did not medal would have been more appropriate. And I’ll add. Also lost at RAF while “healthy”

A Fistful of Hawkeyes · Nov 3, 2026

Mattski said:
It's not like they're tearing every time he wrestles. To win gold in LA I think he needs to at least give himself a chance to be as healthy as possible. If he doesn't fix it, he's guaranteed to not be healthy. Look at it this way, if he repairs it and rehabs and at some point retears it, he's right back where he is now. Forget 2027 worlds, he's already got a WC. All focus should be on getting ready for LA 2028.

Well no. That's just not accurate at all because we have no idea the extent of the current tear and injury just like we don't the extent of any future injury until/ if it happens.

A Fistful of Hawkeyes · Nov 3, 2026

Stick Kitty said:
He dog walked RBY but he was almost teched in the match before that if he wasn't so slick in folk. There was also that stumble. Just having that knee repaired my save him on defense in LA 2028. But I agree the time frame isn't ideal but the word is out and at this level they have time to game plan against him with that perceived weakness. IMO he can get it done and go Rocky 4.

The guy had a trap arm. He's going to tech everyone 99% of the time with that.

Hell, put Ono or Rei in that situation and they're getting teched too. Spencer is that 1% that flips it and gets the pin in return. The knee had nothing to do with it, not getting into that position in the first place is the real takeaway.

lookleftgoright · Wednesday at 6:47 AM

A Fistful of Hawkeyes said:
The guy had a trap arm. He's going to tech everyone 99% of the time with that.

Hell, put Ono or Rei in that situation and they're getting teched too. Spencer is that 1% that flips it and gets the pin in return. The knee had nothing to do with it, not getting into that position in the first place is the real takeaway.

I was surprised at how easy the guy was able to trap SL's arm. He made it look easy.

Total SL to be able to reverse that and get the pin. He is that 1 in a million who could do that.

Mattski · Wednesday at 1:42 PM

A Fistful of Hawkeyes said:
The guy had a trap arm. He's going to tech everyone 99% of the time with that.

Hell, put Ono or Rei in that situation and they're getting teched too. Spencer is that 1% that flips it and gets the pin in return. The knee had nothing to do with it, not getting into that position in the first place is the real takeaway.

Spencer said himself the guy should have let him up vs going for it again.

A Fistful of Hawkeyes · Wednesday at 2:13 PM

Mattski said:
Spencer said himself the guy should have let him up vs going for it again.

What's your point? He went for it again and Spencer decked him. Had Bazarganov let him up then they're both back on their feet and anything can happen, including a Spencer TD into 40 leg laces and a tech for himself. His knee had very little to do with him getting trap armed and turned.
Hell he proved how good he is (again) on one leg by clocking RBY in 26 seconds, lest you forget RBY just knocked off the defending world champ the night before.

cphawkinthelou · Wednesday at 2:15 PM

Corby2 said:
Royce Alger

Thanks! I was leaning that way....

Mattski · Wednesday at 2:38 PM

A Fistful of Hawkeyes said:
Well no. That's just not accurate at all because we have no idea the extent of the current tear and injury just like we don't the extent of any future injury until/ if it happens.

Which part isn't accurate? That he'll be healthier post repair and rehab vs doing nothing?

A Fistful of Hawkeyes said:
What's your point? He went for it again and Spencer decked him. Had Bazarganov let him up then they're both back on their feet and anything can happen, including a Spencer TD into 40 leg laces and a tech for himself. His knee had very little to do with him getting trap armed and turned.
Hell he proved how good he is (again) on one leg by clocking RBY in 26 seconds, lest you forget RBY just knocked off the defending world champ the night before.

Agreed I wasn't implying anything negative towards Spencer at all. He's that 1% guy that can turn that situation into a pin. Knowing what we know now, AZE going for the additional turn definitely gave Lee the best path to victory.

A Fistful of Hawkeyes · Wednesday at 2:45 PM

Mattski said:
Which part isn't accurate? That he'll be healthier post repair and rehab vs doing nothing?

Yes, it isn't accurate. We have no idea the severity of the tear. Nor do we know what his doctors have and have not adviced. We also don't know what they will and will not do.
Go read up on repeat ACL repairs. It's not anywhere close to being as simple as "Healthier if he gets it done now."

Stick Kitty · Wednesday at 3:02 PM

Corby2 said:
Royce Alger

Interesting tidbit about Royce. He was a huge fan of the Highlander movie/series. Probably still is but he would religiously watch that with Todd Conner RIP to get pumped up before meets. And would take it in his suitcase to other countries.

I wonder if he got Spencer to watch it in the hotel like he use to.

"there can be only one"

Anon1746362370 · Wednesday at 3:09 PM

Are knee braces not allowed in international competition?

blcoach80 · Wednesday at 3:54 PM

A Fistful of Hawkeyes said:
Yes, it isn't accurate. We have no idea the severity of the tear. Nor do we know what his doctors have and have not adviced. We also don't know what they will and will not do.
Go read up on repeat ACL repairs. It's not anywhere close to being as simple as "Healthier if he gets it done now."

I was on board with surgery being the best option (in my not so expert opinion), but after reading that article on 3rd time ACL repairs, I don't feel the same. It sounds way more risky than 1st time or 2nd time repairs and the recovery/PT time is much longer. I don't know if he would be ready in time for anything other than the 2028 trials and that would be pushing it. I'm thinking until Spencer retires he doesn't fix it, works for the next 8 months on building strength in the muscles around both knees (which I guarantee he has been doing for years now) and lets it fly on one good ACL like his entire career has been basically. I also wonder with all the technology in the world anymore if they can develop a sleeve type brace that would be legal in freestyle that would do a better job for knee stability while still keeping ease of movement? There has got to be something out there better than a sleeve but not as bulky as the brace he wore in college that made it look like he had a bionic leg!? This is all speculation anyway as who knows what people smarter than us will suggest he does or if he will even make a run at 2028 (I think he will, but that is going to be a tough call for Spencer that I'm sure most doctors will advise against him doing). He has already given way more to this sport than he probably should have. Winning gold on 1 ACL is a tall mountain to climb, but if anyone can do it it is Spencer Lee.

Wrestleknownothing · Wednesday at 6:20 PM

Stick Kitty said:
Interesting tidbit about Royce. He was a huge fan of the Highlander movie/series. Probably still is but he would religiously watch that with Todd Conner RIP to get pumped up before meets. And would take it in his suitcase to other countries.

I wonder if he got Spencer to watch it in the hotel like he use to.

"there can be only one"

HawkeyeInOlathe · Wednesday at 7:29 PM

Corby2 said:
Well they keep tearing and hes been good with 1 in the past . He struggled without having any. People wrestle with ACL tears every college season. He was emotional and spoke about it when he shouldn't have. In college that's the job of the SID to calm you down before you speak. At a world championships they take you immediately to the interview and you don't have that SID .

Every word he said was great for the Iowa program. People talk **** about him and the program over the last few years. Good for him for standing up for the Hawkeyes and his coaches. His post interview showed strength and character. Unless you’re one of those people that think crying is weakness.

HawkeyeInOlathe · Wednesday at 7:35 PM

Stick Kitty said:
He dog walked RBY but he was almost teched in the match before that if he wasn't so slick in folk. There was also that stumble. Just having that knee repaired my save him on defense in LA 2028. But I agree the time frame isn't ideal but the word is out and at this level they have time to game plan against him with that perceived weakness. IMO he can get it done and go Rocky 4.

Yeah he was not slick in folkstyle.

Mattski · Wednesday at 8:56 PM

A Fistful of Hawkeyes said:
Yes, it isn't accurate. We have no idea the severity of the tear. Nor do we know what his doctors have and have not adviced. We also don't know what they will and will not do.
Go read up on repeat ACL repairs. It's not anywhere close to being as simple as "Healthier if he gets it done now."

Admittedly none of us really knows, I'm mostly just talking best case scenario. Deep down I'm probably biased bc I just want to see him make one more Olympic run as healthy as possible. He was on fire during his '23/24 run from the trials until the gold medal match. Launching and sticking Gilman, throwing guys around like rag dolls in Paris. That version of Lee wins Gold in LA.

A Fistful of Hawkeyes · Thursday at 7:09 AM

Stick Kitty said:
Interesting tidbit about Royce. He was a huge fan of the Highlander movie/series. Probably still is but he would religiously watch that with Todd Conner RIP to get pumped up before meets. And would take it in his suitcase to other countries.

I wonder if he got Spencer to watch it in the hotel like he use to.

"there can be only one"

I worked with the director of Highlander, Russell Mulcahy, many years ago on the second season of Teen Wolf. He shared a few stories about his time on that movie. It's always been a favorite quilty pleasure of mine!

If you personally know Royce, let him know about the Highlander reboot with Henry Cavill and it's being directed by Chad Stahelski, who did the John Wick quadrilogy! There's a lot of talent invovled with the project, so i have high hopes and expectations for it.

I also worked with Stahelski on Hunger Games Catching Fire. The guy is an absolute nut job, but I love him movies.

Way to go Spencer!!

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