Jordan Burroughs proposes rule changes for UWW at Paris Olympics following Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from gold medal match

By Marie Amani

Modified Aug 07, 2024 15:07 GMT

Jordan Burroughs has proposed new rules for the United World Wrestling at the Paris Olympics following the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the 50kg final of the women’s bout.

Burroughs is widely regarded as one of America’s greatest freestyle wrestlers. He won an Olympic gold medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games. He is a six-time world champion, having won those titles in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2021 and 2022.

He claimed bronze medals in the 2014, 2018 and 2019 World Championships. Being on the global stages several times, Burroughs understands what it takes for an athlete to make an impact in global championships hence his plea to vindicate Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat.

Phogat was disqualified from the final against USA's Sarah Hildenbrent for failing the weigh-in after she was found to be overweight by 100 grams. After Phogat’s disqualification, Jordan Burroughs shared a post on his X handle, requesting the organizers to award her a silver medal as he proposed some changes to the weigh-in rules.

Jordan Burroughs pointed out that a 1kg weight allowance should be in the pipeline and time for the weigh-ins should be pushed forward by two hours. He added that both wrestlers who make the final should have their medals secured despite missing out on the weight category going into the second day.

"Proposed Immediate Rule Changes for UWW: 1.) 1kg second Day Weight Allowance, 2.) Weigh-ins pushed from 8:30am to 10:30am, 3.) Forfeit will occur in future finals if opposing finalist misses weight," Burroughs said.

"4.) After a semifinal victory, both finalists’ medals are secured even if weight is missed on Day 2. Gold can only be won by a wrestler who makes weight on the second day. 5.) Give Vinesh the Silver medal," he added.

Meanwhile, according to the existing rules by the UWW, wrestlers must be weighed twice, on the morning of the preliminary action and the morning of the final of the event.

During the first weigh-in, Vinesh Phogat met the weight limit of 50kg, however, after competing in three bouts, she likely gained weight.

During the final day of the competition, Vinesh was 100 grams above the limit. According to the rules by the UWW, if an athlete fails to meet the weight requirements, they are disqualified from the event and all their achievements are stripped off. In this case, Vinesh Phogat has all her performances nullified and forced to finish in the final position.

"This is tragic"- Jordan Burroughs reacts to Vinesh Phogat being disqualified from Paris Olympics

Jordan Burroughs reacts to Vinesh Phogat being disqualified from Paris Olympics- Source: Getty Images

Jordan Burroughs has been a huge supporter of Vinesh Phogat in her Olympic campaign but she was unfortunately disqualified after failing to meet the weight qualifications in the final of the women’s bout.

Vinesh Phogat was impressive in her campaign and being disqualified on her way to making history has shocked the whole world including Jordan Burroughs.

The 2012 Olympic champion shared on his X expressing his disappointment in the rules set by organizers. He was gutted to learn that the Indian wrestler will be walking home without a medal.

"My goodness. I don’t think any of us can quite comprehend the future ramifications for Vinesh missing weight this morning. When she awoke today, she was India’s first ever female Olympic finalist, guaranteed at least a silver," Burroughs said.

"Now she will be returning home medal-less. God bless her and all she’ll have to endure moving forward. She has looked amazing this week, and deserved to be on that podium today. This is tragic," he added.

Meanwhile, the 29-year-old rewrote history to become the first international wrestler to defeat Yui Susaki, the reigning Olympic and world champion. Phogat started her campaign with wins over Oksana Livach from Ukraine and Yusneylys Guzmán of Cuba.