"My goal is to give what I have left"- Jordan Burroughs hints shot for glory at LA Olympics 2028 after missing out on spot for Paris

By Animesh Pandey

Modified Oct 05, 2024 06:12 GMT

Former Olympic champion wrestler Jordan Burroughs is all set to return on the mat. However, the American legend is not only preparing for the upcoming World Championships, but also the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.

In a promotional clip for the second episode of 'Uncut with JB', the 36-year-old freestyle wrestler has revealed his motivation behind his decision to compete in freestyle wrestling, even at the age of 36.

"No one's ever arrived here. No one's competing at this high level at this age. I am. I'm good, but I still seek my own personal challenge", said Burroughs. [1:23 onwards]

However, Burroughs wasn't done yet. He further added,

"So, where most people will be like it's time to leave, I'm like, 'I think I have more to give. So, that's my goal is to give what I have left, see what I can do. 2028, Levi. LA. I can do it."

After failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics, many wondered if Jordan Burroughs would return to the mat again. However, putting all the rumors to rest, the American grappler participated in the trials for the Wrestling World Championships, which he won hands down, marking his tenth appearance at the event.

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Jordan Burroughs on heartbreaking exit at U.S. Olympic Trials

Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs [Extreme Right] with wrestler Jake Varner and swimmer Allison Schmitt [Image Source : Getty]

2024 had begun on a sombre note for Jordan Burroughs. The former Olympic champion was defeated by Jason Nolf in the 74kg freestyle wrestling at the U.S. Olympic trials. This was the second consecutive occasion where Burroughs was unable to make it to the Olympics, having failed to qualify previously for the Tokyo Olympics as well.

However, the American wrestling legend refused to accept that his career was over. In an interview with Olympics' official website, Burroughs mentioned why he has a lot more to give back to wrestling.

"I've won six world championships, an Olympic gold medal. I've been to multiple Olympics and I'm still one of the best wrestlers in the world - even at 35 years old with four kids at home. So, I think with all that being said, I would like to win, but I don't think that [being an Olympic champion] is a burden at all", he said.

However, when he won the trials for the Wrestling World Championships, Burroughs hit back at his detractors, as he said,

"You know, it's been a hard six months for me. It's been a really hard six months for me. I wasn't sure if I was going to continue to wrestle. Every day is, you know, trying to battle back from my experience at Penn State. Their fans, their coaches, their wrestlers, they discarded (me), made me feel like an outcast in a sport that I helped build. It's been hard, it's been hard. So this is very satisfying for me, it's very satisfying.”

Jordan Burroughs has six gold medals and three bronze medals from the Wrestling World Championships to his credit. Apart from that, he also won an Olympic gold medal at the London Olympics in 2012. He will be representing the USA at the Wrestling World Championships 2024, to be held in Tirana, Albania from October 28 to October 31.