What happened to Jordan Burroughs? All about the 6x world champion's Paris Olympics dream

By Adityan Pillai

Modified Aug 07, 2024 05:28 GMT

Jordan Burroughs failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics after losing to Jason Nolf at the U.S. Olympic wrestling trials in the men's 74kg freestyle wrestling. This loss marked the second consecutive time the American wrestler missed out on making the U.S. Olympic team.

Despite losing out on a spot in the U.S. Olympic wrestling team, Jordan Burroughs will still be heading to Paris after joining NBC Universal as a wrestling analyst. Burroughs will be joining American sportscaster, Jason Knapp who will be the play-by-play announcer as a part of NBC Universal's coverage of wrestling at the Paris Olympics.

NBC Universal released an official statement about the same and said:

"Four-time world champion and 2012 Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs returns as an analyst after making his NBC Olympics debut in Tokyo . Jason Knapp serves as a play-by-play commentator on wrestling and swimming for NBCUniversal’s Olympic coverage in Paris. This marks the fourth straight Games that Knapp will call wrestling and his first calling swimming. "

Throughout his career, Burroughs has won one Olympic gold medal at the London Olympics, nine world championship medals out of which six were gold and three Pan American gold medals arguably making him one of the best American wrestlers of modern times.

Jordan Burroughs on not having the pressure to live up to people's expectations

'Beat the Street' Gala Wrestling tournament. Grand Central Station New York - Source: Getty

Jordan Burroughs spoke about not having the pressure to compete and live up to the expectations of people in an interview with Olympics.com during the U.S. Olympic Wrestling trials. He gave a befitting reply to critics who questioned his performances and achievements.

“Whether I win another match or not in my career, I feel like people who have watched me wrestle understand exactly what I bring to this sport. 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," he said.

Furthermore, he spoke about his desire to win despite having many accolades to his name.

“That's not easy to do for anyone. 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. I think it was more of a gift than anything, it changed my perspective on myself and how I view the world. It really spurred me to continue to win because it moulded me as a champion and it solidified me as someone that people recognizes a champion,” he added.

Jordan Burroughs will be enchanting fans with his insightful analysis as men's wrestling takes shape at the Paris Olympics.