Burroughs Thankful, Blessed, Ready to Make History

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Opportunity to Do Something Great in Wrestling Has Arisen

Jordan Burroughs' Official Olympic Sendoff Photo Gallery

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A few minutes after Saturday night’s spirited Jordan Burroughs sendoff to Rio de Janeiro in Lincoln’s Railyard/Cube Haymarket Area, America’s 2012 Olympic gold medalist wrestler was still smiling, cooperating and encouraging whoever was willing to climb the stage and wish him well.

University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds, UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green, college football legend Tom Osborne, NCAA/Olympic wrestling icon Dan Gable and Husker head wrestling coach Mark Manning watched historic video that chronicled Burroughs’ inspired college career and his meteoric rise to the top of worldwide wrestling.

Triumphant music played throughout highlights of Burroughs’ two NCAA championships, his gold medal in London and three additional world championships that position him to become, perhaps, at least one of the best wrestlers in American history, if not the best.

Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs and UNL Chancellor Ronnie Greene watch wrestler's career highlights unfold on giant screen.

Burroughs: Experience Absolutely Awesome; Culture of Love and Appreciation

My first question after watching Burroughs in a public practice at the Bob Devaney Sports Center 3½ hours before his resounding sendoff was simply what it meant and how it felt to be in the limelight of a pep rally-like experience where academic leaders and legendary coaches focus strictly on him and the journey he’s taking.

“It was absolutely awesome,” Burroughs told me. “I can’t really do justice to what it meant, even though I had the microphone last. All I can say now to you is this experience tonight is why I decided to stay in Lincoln. There’s a culture of love and appreciation here. It’s not just big things, but the little things. I can’t thank the people who came enough. This was very special to me.”

Qualifying for the 2016 Olympics in Rio “is a big thing,” Burroughs said, “but look how many people came out there tonight to celebrate for all of us who know how much hard work we’ve put in. I’m just thankful, very blessed and happy.”

Happy enough to chase history and become only the third wrestler in American history to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals?  Four years between Olympic opportunities evaporates, especially when you are married and have two very young children.

“It’s been a crazy couple of weeks,” Burroughs said, pinpointing his priorities. “I’ve had a lot of promotional events and sponsor obligations, plus photo shoots and taking care of my family.”

Jordan Burroughs' afternoon practice prior to Saturday night's Olympic send-off was open to the public in the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

This Gold Medalist Grills Out, Mows Lawn, Takes Son to Gymnastics Practice

Between working out, lifting weights and celebrating one son’s birthday party, Burroughs didn’t shun his own duties. “I grilled out and cooked the food, mowed the lawn, took my son to gymnastics practice and had a photo shoot with my mom,” he said.

Seeing my incredulous look, Burroughs senses a question. “These are crazy times,” he said. “I guess I’ll sleep when I die or sometime after I go back and win another gold medal.”

Burroughs smiles broadly. “That’s how it’s been every day for the last two months,” he said. Even though family time will continue when his wife and two children go to Brazil for Burroughs’ next shining moment, Sunday became the launch pad for Burroughs’ acclerated timetable.

Nebraska Athletics assistant director of digital communications Andy Wenstrand, right, enjoys a moment at Jordan Burroughs' sendoff.

Now at the Olympic Training Center, Burroughs Embraces a Rigid Timetable

Burroughs flew to Colorado Sunday to hunker down at the Olympic Training Center, where he will practice until his return to Lincoln July 25. A week later, on Aug. 2, the family heads to Rio together. Three days later, Burroughs will celebrate the Olympics’ Opening Ceremony and then begin a new countdown to his first match on Aug. 19.

I asked Burroughs how he keeps calm and stays motivated in controlled chaos. “A lot of prayers and mostly through humility,” he said. “You have to truly appreciate what you have while you’re doing it because that’s what you’re supposed to do. I’m not going to lie. There are many days when I’m stressed. Not every day is perfect for me. There are times when I’m overwhelmed by the difficulties of life. The combination of fatherhood and being a husband aren’t always easy, so something like this sendoff makes it all the more worthwhile. I’m excited.”

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