Jordan Burroughs rebounded in a big way from his disappointing results in failing to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. The former Nebraska Cornhusker captured his fifth wrestling world title Monday in the 2021 World Wrestling Championships in Olso, Norway.
In Monday’s men’s freestyle 79kg class final, Burroughs defeated Mohammad Nokhodilarimi, who represented Iran, with a score of 5-1. Taking the lead early with his signature double-leg takedown, Jordan expanded his lead by following up quickly with yet another double-leg. Burroughs’s double-leg takedown has been virtually unstoppable for over a decade now.
Burroughs’s latest gold medal ties John Smith’s American freestyle record of six World and Olympic gold medals combined. Jordan’s legendary resume includes world titles in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017 and a gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics.
Jordan’s professional accomplishments come after a 127-19 collegiate record, including two undefeated seasons in his junior and senior campaigns. His outstanding collegiate efforts were rewarded by three Big 12 titles, two national championships, and the distinguished Hodge Trophy.
Speculation surrounded Burroughs that he would retire after he failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. Instead, Jordan moved from the 74kg weight division to the 79kg class and proved he still has more than what it takes to compete with the best wrestlers in the world. Now tied with John Smith as the most successful wrestler in the U.S.’s history, 33-year-old Burroughs is one world title or Olympic gold medal away from claiming that designation for himself alone.
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