RIO RAMBLINGS: At the end of the day, it’s just wrestling

EDITOR’S NOTE: Phil Arnold is the owner and coach of the Alpha Omega Wrestling Academy in Albany. He is currently in Rio de Janeiro for the Olympic Games to watch his nephew, J’den Cox, compete in the wrestling competition. He will be writing a daily blog during his time in Rio.

The USA wrestling team had a tough day on Friday. We finished a combined 1-3 on the day. But who cares? It’s just wrestling.

Now before people get bent out of shape about that statement, let me explain.I watched America’s top wrestler, Jordan Burroughs, fail to medal today. He’s the defending world AND Olympic champion. And I watched him lose. To say I was shocked would be an understatement.

For years I have watched this man win title after title representing his country. He’s always done so with poise and humility, but today he lost. I’m sure there were wrestlers and fans who literally cried when they heard of JB’s loss. But sometimes we have to remember, it’s just wrestling.

The second USA wrestler that competed on Thursday, Daniel Dennis, didn’t fair much better.

His first, and only match resulted in a loss by technical fall. I cannot imagine the disappointment he must be feeling. I spoke with him the night before and told him we would be in the stands cheering him on. He said he was ready to go, and looking forward to it. But at the end of the day, his expectations were not met. The wrestler that beat him failed to get to the finals, thus ending Dennis’ Olympic quest sooner than anticipated. But, it’s just wrestling.

You see, at the end of the day whether it’s to celebrate a glorious victory or deal with a crushing loss, it really is just wrestling. Yes, I know people will argue this opinion, but if you really stop and think about it, I am right. We win. We lose. But those two things will NEVER define who we really are.

Trust me, I have seen wrestlers who are considered to be gods among men. But as men, they’re at the bottom of the barrel. I have also seen wrestlers who didn’t make the varsity team in high school, but I can depend on them to always set an example for the youth they coach. You see, it’s just wrestling.

In just a few hours from the time I’m writing this, my nephew J’den Cox will take the mat. I can’t imagine what must be going on in his mind. Whatever the outcome, as his mom always says, “He’s just J’den to us.”

This moment will NOT define his life. It’s just another page in a glorious novel that we are fortunate to be a part of.

I think Burroughs said it best after his heart wrenching losses: “I have a wife and children at home who love me and support me, that’s what is most important.” He gets it. It’s just wrestling……