STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Jordan Burroughs’ last U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials got off to a rocky start on Friday, but the seven-time world and Olympic and champion recovered to win his opening match, 5-3.
The No. 1 seed, Burroughs yielded the first - and only - takedown to Penn State’s Alex Facundo in a 74 kg quarterfinal and went into the third period trailing on criteria after notching a pair of step-outs.
But Burroughs recorded two more step-outs in the third period and added another point when Facundo’s corner was unsuccessful on a challenge.
Facundo pushed Burroughs out with about 15 seconds remaining, meaning he could win with a takedown, but Burroughs defended well and held him off.
Burroughs has another Penn State wrestler in the semifinals on Friday night, taking on national finalist Mitchell Mesenbrink, a 13-3 winner over Ladarius Lockett.
The 35-year-old Burroughs announced he would retire after this year’s Olympic Games in Paris - or after the U.S. Trials if he is unsuccessful in his attempt to make his third Olympic team.
Burroughs won an Olympic gold medal in 2012 and also made the team in 2016. He failed to qualify in 2021.
His seven championships - six world and one Olympic gold - are a U.S. record. Burroughs also has three world bronze.
The night session begins at 6:30.
Bill Evans can be reached at bevans@njadvancemedia.com. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.