Gophers Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson returns to Minnesota

Apple Valley’s Gable Steveson returned home Sunday night after becoming the first Gopher wrestler in program history to win an Olympic gold medal.

Steveson, who beat Georgia’s Geno Petriashvili 10-8 in the men’s freestyle 125-kilogram championship match, heard fans chanting "USA, USA!" when he arrived at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Sunday night.

"We just wanted to come out and see Gable," Conner Ellis of Savage said. "What an incredible achievement."

"I put on my best effort for the great state of Minnesota," Steveson said upon arrival, "There’s so many people who’ve supported me – so many fans."

Steveson also won an NCAA championship in March. He could return to amateur wrestling at the University of Minnesota next year, but is also weighing his options in professional wrestling and mixed martial arts.

***CLICK VIDEO BOX TO SEE STEVESON’S ARRIVAL AND HEAR FROM HIM***