Jenna Burkert Announces Retirement From Wrestling
Jenna Burkert Announces Retirement From Wrestling
Jenna Burkert, a 2021 World bronze medalist, announced on social media that she is retiring from wrestling before the 2024 Olympic Trials.
One of the most popular wrestlers in U.S. history will call it a career.
Jenna Burkert, a 2021 World bronze medalist, announced her retirement with a lengthy post on Instagram. Burkert will no longer compete at the 2024 Olympic Trials where she was expected to contend for the 57-kg spot.
"It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement from wrestling, as well as my plans to enter the civilian world at the end of my current Army contract," Burkert said in the post." After nearly 25 years of dedicated service to this sport, it is time for me to turn the page and embark on a new chapter in my life."
She went on to reflect on her career with messages of appreciation.
Burkert, 30, made headlines when she reached 202One Olympic Trials finals at 57 kilograms days after losing her mother. The Rocky Point, New York, native faced 2016 Olympic gold medalist Helen Maroulis in the best-of-three finals but lost the deciding match after winning the second match of the series.
Her final competition was the 2022 World Cup in Coralville where she was a fan favorite at the event. Burkert made four appearances at the Senior World Championships and three at the U20 Worlds.
— Jenna Rose Burkert (@TheJokerJB) February 2, 2024