From being a standout rookie during his time at Ohio State University to making it to the National Championships in 1996, he has long been a part of the Buckeyes’ glory days. From then he went on to lead by example as he became the skipper of the team and even went on to represent the national juniors and reach the Big Ten Conference finals. But now, nearly 3 decades later, he has still managed to keep his passion for the mat. But how? And just who is he?

Well, the incredible man is none other than former Buckeyes standout Mike Canales. And even after his competitive career ended, he has still managed to perform at a record 20 consecutive Ohio State Alumni Exhibitions. In the process, he showcased his enduring passion. But then came the moment of realization. So, how does a decorated athlete face the moment their competitive edge fades?

On Sam Oldham’s podcast, The Mike Canales Story, Mike revealed it all. Well, the turning point hit Mike during a competition. He was on the pommel horse, observing the younger gymnasts. “Their swings were so clean, their lines so long,” he recalled, a hint of awe in his voice. He initially thought, “Lots of juniors can handle the pommel horse.” But as the meet went on, through rings, vault, and parallel bars, the full picture became clear.

“There were no weak spots in their all-around game,” he realized, the words heavy with the weight of that understanding. By the time they reached the floor, watching high schoolers effortlessly land double layouts, Mike knew his time was up. He stood there, as if holding his college diploma in one hand and his dignity in the other. “I knew I was done competing there,” he admitted. What were his last moments of his career like?

For Mike, there wouldn’t be a dramatic Instagram post announcing his retirement or a tearful montage set to a sad song. Instead, he heard “a quiet, yet very brutally honest internal voice” telling him, “You’re simply no longer competitive at this level.” It wasn’t about putting on a show; it was about being honest with himself. “This is a tough conversation that every athlete must—and often does—have with themselves,” he said, acknowledging that letting go is a universal struggle.

Mike’s retirement wasn’t a public spectacle but a personal realization, a moment of clear understanding amidst the cheers and energy of the competition. Mike’s story resonates with anyone who has deeply loved a sport. His quiet departure, rooted in self-awareness, highlights the courage it takes to step back. With his diploma in hand, he faced the future not with grand fanfare but with a quiet determination.

Gymnastics was more than a sport for Mike Canales

Mike Canales, a standout gymnast from Ohio State University, viewed gymnastics as more than just a sport. For Mike, gymnastics was a way to express himself. “I’ve always aimed to honor the artistry of artistic gymnastics,” Mike shared in a podcast. “What I love about all forms of art—especially gymnastics—is that hard work creates the art.”

He saw each routine as a brushstroke, an opportunity to sculpt emotion and identity through movement. “Gymnastics has always been a canvas where a gymnast can truly paint a piece of who they are,” he said. His performances were not just about scores; they were about aesthetics, akin to bringing a sculpture to life. For Mike, gymnastics was deeply personal.

“It was about taking what’s inside you and releasing it through movement,” he explained. Now, as a father, he imparts this philosophy to his son, Vincent. “That’s really what I try to pass on—not just technique in gymnastics, but also taste in gymnastics,” he said. His legacy extends beyond medals, rooted in teaching the next generation to see the sport as art.

Mike’s story reminds us that gymnastics is more than just competition—it’s an expression. His artistry, forged through dedication, lives on in his son.