Top American wrestler Jordan Burroughs loses at world championships

Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs fell short in the semifinals of the world wrestling championships on Tuesday, losing to a foreign opponent for the first time in his highly decorated career.

Burroughs competed with his left leg heavily wrapped after injuring his knee during a first-round bout in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He was outpointed, 9-2, by two-time world champion Denis Tsargush of Russia in the 163-pound freestyle division.

“Jordan couldn’t move like he usually does,” U.S. Coach Bruce Burnett told USA Wrestling. “He did the best he could. He showed a lot of character and resolve and guts.”

The New Jersey native is no stranger to wrestling injured. Last year he won his second world title despite breaking an ankle less than a month before the event. His record in international competition now stands at 91-2.

The American coach expected Burroughs to continue to compete in Uzbekistan. He was scheduled to face Ukraine’s Rustam Dudaev in the bronze medal bout Tuesday night.

“He’s going to go again tonight,” Burnett said. “He’s a class act and a great leader for our team.”