Iconic USA Women’s Wrestling Champion Pens Heartfelt Note as She Bids Adieu to the Sport After 25 Years

“Jenna, you can’t do that – you’re a girl!” a boy standing in front of six-year-old Jenna told her while taking a flyer out of her hand. Deeply touched by the boy’s statement, Jenna decided that she would prove him wrong one day. Then, the little girl opted to focus on the wrestler while eyeing the Olympics one day. 

Soon after that, there was no stoppage for Jenna. She emerged as a dominant force in wrestling while accomplishing the goal of proving boys wrong by joining the US Army in 2016. However, recently, Jenna left her wrestling spectators with teary eyes as she announced her retirement from her 25-year wrestling career.

A life dedicated to wrestling

To share the news among the spectators, family, and loved ones, Jenna Burkert took to her Instagram handle and posted a heartfelt message revealing her retirement news after 25 years of wrestling excellence, along with a couple of pictures. She penned, “It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement from wrestling, as well as my plans to enter the civilian world at the end of my current Army contract.“

Jenna further wrote, “After nearly 25 years of dedicated service to this sport, it is time for me to turn the page and embark on a new chapter in my life.” Through her post, she expressed her gratitude to everyone associated with her wrestling career while writing, “Looking back, I have cherished every single moment of my career.” In her long post she also anticipated the future course of her life.

Referring to that, Jenna wrote, “I look forward to paving a new path for myself that truly aligns with my values – one that allows me to continue to make a positive impact in this world.” In a display of her commitment to the sport of wrestling, she wrote, “Wrestling has shaped me into the person I am today, and I will carry the memories and the lessons with me as I embark on the next adventure.” She concluded her post on a positive note while writing, “As I close this chapter, I am excited and ready to begin writing the next.” Although the chapter she closed holds much for the USA wrestling.

Olympic glory remains unattained for the staunch athlete

A 2021 world bronze medal champion, a top contender on national teams nine times and world teams four times, Jenna has always enjoyed a unique place in the hearts of spectators. She was a third-place finisher in the Women’s Freestyle wrestling at the World Wrestling Championships 2020. She first made it to the headlines by reaching the 2020 Olympic trials stage finals a few days after losing her beloved mother.

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In 2020, Jenna failed to secure an Olympic spot because of her second-place finish at the US Olympic team trials after losing out to Helen Maroulis. She was supposed to take a redemption this year. Therefore, she was considered among the top contenders competing at the 2024 Olympic trials scheduled this year. However, as she declared that she would be retiring from her wrestling career, USA’s wrestling will surely miss her at the 57 kg category. 

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