"This is tragic" - Jordan Burroughs weighs in as Vinesh Phogat gets disqualified from the finals after missing weight at Paris Olympics

By Animesh Pandey

Modified Aug 07, 2024 12:41 GMT

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Jordan Burroughs was surprised by the recent unexpected disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the 2024 Paris Olympics' women's flyweight (50kg) wrestling event. Though he is not participating this year, the World Champion from the USA is viewing the Games enthusiastically, and was dismayed at the Indian grappler's unfortunate exit.

Burroughs tweeted in support of Phogat:

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

As news of Phogat's efforts to reduce her weight overnight emerged, many were overwhelmed by her dedication, including Burroughs. He further posted:

"Maybe stories like this will wake up the IOC. Wrestling needs MORE than six weight classes! After three tough matches against world class opponents, no athlete should have to spend the night preparing for a gold medal in this manner. Absolute desperation from the Indian team trying to get the last bit of weight off of Vinesh to qualify for today's final."

Phogat had surprised everyone with her brilliant performance as she stormed into the finals of the women's flyweight (50kg) freestyle event, become the first Indian female wrestler to do so. The grappler was all set to face Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA tonight when during the second weigh-in, she was found to be 100 grams overweight as per the standards prescribed by United World Wrestling.

Phogat is being consoled by almost every sportsbuff, from Burroughs to even Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who has hailed her efforts and has directed Indian Olympic Association president and former athlete P.T. Usha to explore all possible options with the IOC & UWW after the decision.

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Jordan Burroughs supported Vinesh Phogat throughout the 2024 Paris Olympics

Jordan Burroughs, like many others, was surprised by Vinesh Phogat's stunning victory over Yui Susaki of Japan, who had not lost a single bout until then, in the women's flyweight (50 kg) category of the wrestling event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Vinesh Phogat of India celebrates her victory against Yui Susaki of Japan at Paris Olympics 2024 [Image Source: Getty]

Immediately after Phogat's win, Burroughs posted on his X account:

"Vinesh came to wrestle today!"

When Phogat defeated Yusneylis Guzman of Cuba to enter the finals, Burroughs was as excited as any Indian sportsbuff as he posted:

"Vinesh vs. Hildebrandt. I hate that someone has to lose."

After Phogat surprised the reigning world and Olympic champion Susaki to enter the quarterfinals, she clinched victories over Oksana Livach of Ukraine and Guzman. Having impressed the likes of Burroughs as she prepared herself to face Sarah Hilderbrandt in the finals tonight, her dream will unfortunately remain unfulfilled at this year's Games.