Burroughs relishes being favorite in Rio
Jordan Bur-RIO DE JANEIRO roughs’ mental approach to the Rio Games includes a dose of LeBron James, and in specific how James carried the Cleveland Cavaliers from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors to win the NBA championship in June.
Burroughs isn’t the only American athlete — or athlete from around the world — to pattern his or her mental approach after the basketball star. There’s just one sticking point: As the freestyle wrestler prepares to defend his gold medal in the 74-kilogram class from the London Games, Burroughs is more Golden State, less LeBron.
“I’m not the underdog,” Burroughs said. “But part of the reason why is a high level of success.”
Burroughs is instead the undisputed and unquestioned favorite to reclaim gold, having followed up his banner college career at the University of Nebraska to post a 24-1 career record in international competition.
“I think this is a great opportunity for me to continue to be the hero,” he said. “I think that’s cool. In some places they do cheer for the hero all the time.”
Being the hero has its perks. There’s the gold medal. A place as the top pound-for-pound wrestler in the world. The many endorsement contracts ensuing from his gold, including a national deal with Polo Ralph Lauren. (“I’m not a model,” he said, “but the more you win, the more handsome you get, I guess.”)
There’s also a level of recognition far beyond Burroughs’ only regional profile leading into the 2012 Games — he was a major figure in USA Wrestling, a trailblazing talent but not a national name. There’s also a different perspective from 2012, part of the maturing process for the new father, who cited recent off-mat changes as a key factor in his continued development.
“When you have a refreshed perspective and a newfound purpose, it gives you a sense of renewed spirit and excitement,” he said. “Now I’m like, how did I get here? How do you maintain that focus and that level of desire? I want to enjoy this. I want this to be special.”
But one thing hasn’t changed. Much like his athletic inspirations — not just LeBron James but also tennis’ Serena Williams, the stars of their respective sports — Burroughs often looks inside to find his own stiffest competition: With a nearly unblemished competitive record, perhaps the only thing that can stop Burroughs is himself.
“It’s a constant battle, combating between my ego and my love for the sport,” he said, adding, “I want to be the living embodiment of what it means to be a success.”