Former Husker Jordan Burroughs Is Ready To Defend His Title In Rio
While many people are talking about their excitement for the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Husker fans have an extra reason to be excited; former Nebraska Wrestler Jordan Burroughs is heading back to the Olympics this year to defend his title.
As a Husker, we saw Burroughs excel and lead the team to extreme success. He has the fourth most wins in school history, ending with a 128-20 career record. He was a four-time NCAA qualifier along with being a three-time Big 12 Champion in his last three years of wrestling. Burroughs also was a three-time All American and two-time undefeated National Champion.
Outside of all of his accomplishments with Nebraska, he received many awards and recognition from other sources. He was the Midlands Champion in 2011, won the 2011 Dan Gable Most Outstanding Wrestler Award, was a four-time Big 12 Wrestler of the Week, won the US Open Title in 2011, and was a member of the World Team in 2011.
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Burroughs’ wrestling career only helped lead him to even greater personal success. After his senior year, he won a freestyle world title in Turkey, which made him the fourth wrestler to ever win a World and NCAA title in the same Year. He then went on to represent Team United States in the 2012 Olympics in London, where he won the Gold in men’s freestyle 74 kg by defeating Saeed Goudarzi of Iran.
Now, Husker (and USA) fans are getting ready to send Burroughs and the rest of Team USA off to Rio de Janeiro. Going into the Olympics this year, Burroughs has the chance to win two gold medals, something only three other US wrestlers have accomplished (George Mehnert, Bruce Baumgartner, and John Smith).
Burroughs will have tough competition to go up against while attempting to defend his title, but his post-college record shows that he definitely has the potential to do it. He has a 125-2 record, which includes three World Championships and the Gold in 2012. Many people hold Burroughs to be the pound for pound best wrestler in the world.
Husker fans all know that Burroughs is arguably the best wrestler to come through the program, but will he be able to become known as the best wrestler in the country by winning the Gold again? We will just have to wait and see what Burroughs brings to Rio.
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Make sure you tune in this August to watch the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro to cheer on Team USA and see Burroughs vie to defend the Gold. Go USA and Go Big Red!