Jordan Burrough is a USA icon and one of the best freestyle wrestlers to have transcended the sport and taken a spot in the national psyche. In sports, triumph and heartbreak often dance on the same stage, weaving narratives of determination and resilience. Such was the case for wrestling icon Jordan Burroughs at the Rio Olympics in 2016, where his journey culminated in a devastating conclusion that left fans with a lacuna.

Recently, a video posted on social media showcasing Jordan Burroughs’s defeat at the Rio Olympics in 2016 created curiosity among the fans and left them in question for the Paris Olympics 2024. Having claimed gold in the London Olympics in 2012 and establishing himself as a dominant force in the sport, 6x world wrestling champ Burroughs fell short of securing another Olympic gold medal, marking a poignant end to his Rio Olympics endeavor.

 Jordan Burroughs’ unexpected defeat and nebulous past circa 2016

In a stunning turn of events, the unthinkable became reality as Jordan Burroughs departed from the Olympics without a medal to his name. Remembering that huge defeat, Valid Wrestling Official posted on their Instagram handle, “Jordan Burroughs 🇺🇲 vs Bekzod Abdurakhmonov 🇺🇿 in 2016 Olympics. Bekzod is only man to beat Jordan Burroughs by 11-1 technical superiority 😮 and is now undefeated MMA fighter.” Losing to Bekzod Abdurakhmonov, conversely, looked completely impossible. On this defeat he said, “I’m sorry, guys.” The journey to this unforeseen outcome began with his loss to Aniuar Geduev, a three-time European champion in the quarterfinals.

Just a little over a month ago in Germany, Jordan had decisively defeated Bekzod with a score of 9-3. However, on this day, Bekzod turned the tables with an impressive 11-1 victory. He wiped his tears and sweat, stating, “I had so many expectations, things that I wanted to do here, records that I wanted to set, precedents that I wanted to be a part of,” Burroughs said. “And now I just feel a lot of disappointment, embarrassment, disgrace. But I let myself down most.” Now, all he sees is a dream shattered on the mat. How is he transmuting his lessons to this year though?

Lessons learned from his unforgettable defeat for the Paris Olympics 2024

Burroughs faced unexpected defeats and fell short of securing a medal for the first time in his senior-level career. Throughout the entire competition, Jordan failed to convert a single double-leg takedown, a move that has been a hallmark of his wrestling style. In each of his three matches, Burroughs diligently worked for the opportunity but found himself rarely in a position to execute it effectively. Additionally, his signature re-attacks, which have often been a game-changer for him, were noticeably absent.

Read More: 6x World Wrestling Champ Jordan Burroughs Challenges Critics as He Clocks Countdown for Paris Trials

Jordan Burroughs’ journey from the devastating defeat at the Rio Olympics in 2016 to standing atop the Olympic podium in London 2012 serves as a testament to his determination.He powered through the competition to claim the 74kg gold medal at the London Games, showcasing his remarkable talent at just 24 years old and is showing no signs of stopping now until Paris is done and dusted on his repertoire. As he prepares for the Paris Olympics 2024, his past triumphs and setbacks will undoubtedly fuel his determination to once again reach the pinnacle of Olympic glory.