The Olympic year is proving to be a great start for the US wrestling team. Taking it up from the Zagreb Open, the American roster has persisted in dominance right through the past week’s Pan American Championships in Acapulco, Mexico. In this glory of the team, Nate Jackson has risen to fetch more than the rest following the odds that hit his way three years ago.

Back in 2021, Nate Jackson failed a drug test during the Pan Am Championships. The situation resulted in a 4-year ban on the two-time All-American. However, the reports later carried that the meat contamination in Guatemala was to be blamed for the drug test failure. Now triumphing over adversity, Jackson has risen well and better to make his statement at the 2024 Pan American Championships.

A gratitude note from the resilient star

On day 4 of the 2024 Pan Am, Nate Jackson bested four of the wrestlers in the 92kg class and made way to his gold in the event. His exceptional performance was further recognized when he was awarded the Golden Boot as an Outstanding Wrestler. Thankful for where the journey led, the wrestling star took to his Instagram to pen a heartfelt note. “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while,” he quoted a verse from the bible. Jackson’s further words of reminiscing about the challenges extended to include a thankful note to the situation that surpassed his expectations.

“I came to expect victory but to be recognized as “Botín de Oro” (the Golden Boot) came as a surprise. Truly a moment to remember!” he wrote. The drug test, the scrutiny, and the ever-lasting notions that come attached can prove to be a pit harder to rise from. However, Nate Jackson ensured to defy and offer his prominence at every opportunity.

Nate Jackson blazes through opportunities

Following the incident at the 2021 Pan Ams, Nate Jackson went on to clinch numerous victories. While the 2022 World Team Trials, the Final X Stillwater, and numerous more victories followed the former captain of IU Hoosiers initially, Jackson’s start to the Olympic year is one to reminisce about.

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Nate Jackson started his 2024 season right with a gold at the Zagreb Open in January. The Crete native took on Andro Margishvili, 5-0 to claim a gold medal alongside 8 others on Team USA. From there on, Jackson arrived at the Pan-Am showdown for his second gold and a top honor. He went against Jose Betancourt Kock of Puerto Rico in the final round to record a victory 46 seconds into the bout. Through odds and wins, Nate Jackson has solidified his position on the road to Paris 2024.

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