US wrestling legend Jordan Burroughs has thrown his support behind Vinesh Phogat, demanding a silver medal for the Indian wrestler who was disqualified from the Paris Olympics due to a weight issue. Phogat was found to be 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in, preventing her from competing in the gold medal match.
Jordan Burroughs Demands Silver for Vinesh Phogat
The disqualification has sparked widespread outrage, with the global wrestling community expressing solidarity with Phogat. Burroughs, a highly decorated wrestler with six World Championship gold medals and an Olympic gold, took to social media to voice his support. He criticized the current regulations of the United World Wrestling (UWW) and called for reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
"Maybe stories like this will wake up the IOC. Wrestling needs MORE than six weight classes! After three tough matches against world-class opponents, no athlete should have to spend the night preparing for a gold medal in this manner. Absolute desperation from the Indian team trying to get the last bit of weight off of Vinesh to qualify for today's final," Burroughs wrote.
In another post, Jordan Burroughs went on to propose certain rule changes for UWW
1.) 1kg second Day Weight Allowance.
2.) Weigh-ins pushed from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.
3.) Forfeit will occur in future finals if opposing finalist misses weight.
4.) After a semifinal victory, both finalists’ medals are secured even if weight is missed on Day 2. Gold can only be won by a wrestler who makes weight on the second day.
5.) Give Vinesh the Silver medal.
Sakshi Malik comes to Vinesh Phogat's rescue
Jordan Burroughs outlined several proposed changes to the United World Wrestling (UWW) rules to prevent future disqualifications. He suggested a one-kilogram weight allowance on the second day, a later weigh-in time, and the forfeiture of the final for wrestlers who fail to make weight. He also advocated for guaranteeing medals to both finalists after their semifinal victories, regardless of weight issues on the second day. Burroughs emphasized that while the wrestler who makes weight should receive the gold, the other finalist deserves a silver medal, particularly in cases like Phogat's. His call for a silver medal for Phogat garnered support from fellow Olympian Sakshi Malik.
Phogat's Desperate Weight Loss Attempt
Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, the Chief Medical Officer of the Indian contingent, disclosed that Vinesh Phogat and the medical team undertook extreme measures to shed the excess weight. These efforts included drastic steps like cutting her hair, shortening her clothes, and enduring intense sauna sessions throughout the night. United World Wrestling President Nenad Lalovic expressed sympathy for Phogat's situation but emphasized the organization's commitment to enforcing the rules. Despite the public outcry and support from fellow athletes like Sakshi Malik, who agreed with Jordan Burroughs' proposed changes, Lalovic maintained a firm stance on upholding the regulations.
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