In a heartbreaking turn of events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50kg women’s wrestling finals after being found 100 grams overweight. This disqualification cost her a chance to compete for the gold medal, despite her strong performance in the semi-finals where she defeated Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez.
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The disqualification has sparked significant debate, with American wrestling icon Jordan Burroughs stepping in to voice his support for Vinesh Phogat. This comes at a time when Indian journalists are taking to live television to troll Phogat.
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“Give Vinesh Silver,” he posted on social media.
GIVE VINESH SILVER! ?
— Jordan Burroughs (@alliseeisgold) August 7, 2024
Jordan Burroughs, one of the most celebrated freestyle wrestlers of his generation, expressed his dismay over the decision. Burroughs, who himself is a decorated Olympian with a gold medal from the 2012 London Olympics, advocated for changes in the United World Wrestling (UWW) rules.
He proposed a one-kilogram allowance for wrestlers during weigh-ins and suggested pushing the weigh-in time from 8:30 am to 10:30 am, giving athletes more time to make weight. He also argued that medals for wrestlers reaching the finals should be confirmed, even if they miss weight conditions on the second day.
Proposed Immediate Rule Changes for UWW:
1.) 1kg second Day Weight Allowance.
2.) Weigh-ins pushed from 8:30am to 10:30am.
3.) Forfeit will occur in future finals if opposing finalist misses weight.
4.) After a semifinal victory, both finalists’ medals are secured even if…
— Jordan Burroughs (@alliseeisgold) August 7, 2024
Burroughs’ stance is rooted in his deep understanding of the sport and the challenges athletes face, especially in high-pressure situations like the Olympics.
Several people online, especially Indians, thanked Burroughs for the support he showed to Vinesh Phogat. Here’s how some of them responded:
Thanks for support Champion ?
She Deserves it ??? https://t.co/albmygSqx4— geeta phogat (@geeta_phogat) August 7, 2024
Sliver? for Vinesh https://t.co/g3qbi1LsA5
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) August 7, 2024
GIVE VINESH SILVER! ?
Thank you! @alliseeisgold Brother. https://t.co/NThUfq1bjU
— Virender Singh (@GoongaPahalwan) August 7, 2024
Jordan Burroughs, six time world champion and an Olympic Gold medalist wrestler from America, is demanding a silver medal for Vinesh Phogat.
At the same time, India’s sports minister is talking about how much money the govt spent on her.
Burroughs has been more vocal in support… https://t.co/7Q8vuRy6Ui
— Parth MN (@parthpunter) August 7, 2024
Salute you, Jordan! Being an American and showing so much concern for an Indian athlete, you could also have looked the other way and said this is none of my business. But you have shown your champion mentality and calibre by taking up the cause of an unfortunate Indian
— Anurag Kadian (@kadian_anurag) August 7, 2024
She deserves a Silver atleast, she is a champion and a true sporting legend ??❤️ pic.twitter.com/u38pmeaTL3
— Ankit Mayank (@mr_mayank) August 7, 2024
Phogat, devastated by her disqualification, has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to reconsider the decision and award her the silver medal. The CAS is expected to deliver its verdict soon. In an emotional turn, she has announced her retirement from wrestling on social media, which has left many heartbroken.
Jordan Burroughs’ support highlights the need for reevaluation of wrestling rules to ensure fairness and compassion towards athletes who dedicate their lives to the sport.