Six-time World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, Jordan Burroughs demanded an immediate change in the United World Wrestling Rules after Indian female wrestler Vinesh Phogat got disqualified from the women's 50 kg wrestling event in the Paris Olympics 2024. His demands included a 1 kg second day weight allowance, weigh-ins pushed from 8:30 to 10:30 , a forfeiture that will occur in future finals if the opposing finalist misses weight, and that after a semifinal victory, both finalists' medals will be secured even if weight is missed on Day 2. Gold can only be won by a wrestler who makes weight on the second day.
Burroughs put forth his demands in a tweet he made on his Twitter account. He further went on to demand a silver medal for Vinesh Phogat in another tweet he made later in the day.
His tweet garnered widespread attention amongst the masses, with most Twitter users commenting and asking the IOC to consider Burroughs demands and make immediate changes to the regulations. Several notable personalities also retweeted his post, including Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia, who retweeted Burroughs' post and also demanded a silver for the Indian wrestler.
"This proposal of Olympic gold medalist Jordan is strong. It should be implemented with immediate effect so that the future of wrestlers cannot be tampered with," he added in his retweeted post.
Vinesh Phogat, an Indian wrestler who qualified for the Olympics in Paris in the 50 kg division, was eliminated from the competition. Despite being a well-known figure in women's wrestling, Phogat was excluded from the Olympics in Paris for weighing 100 grams too much above the 50 kg restriction. With her disqualification, she will only be able to compete for the gold and bronze medals in her category instead of the silver.
Vinesh Phogat Disqualified from Paris Olympics for Weight Limit Violation; PM Modi Expresses Support