20 QUESTIONS WITH... Jordan Holm
Jordan Holm is one of the top Greco-Roman wrestlers in the United States.
Holm made the 2013 U.S. World Team in Greco and captured a championship at April’s U.S. Open on April 19 in Las Vegas. He competes at 85 kg/187 lbs. Holm is a member of the Minnesota Storm and he trains in Minneapolis. He took time out of his busy schedule to talk recently with USA Wrestler: 1. Favorite movie? The Count of Monte Cristo 2. Favorite TV show? 24 is my favorite show. I'm convinced Jack would win the Olympics if it was necessary to save the world. 3. What do you listen to before you compete? Flips hasn't shown me any love, so I usually sing to myself. Whatever's on my mind. Something relaxing. 4. Favorite food when not watching your weight? Cookies and donuts from the Byerly's bakery, or my sister's kitchen.
5. Favorite sport other than wrestling? There isn't a sport I don't like to play. I will take anyone on in H-O-R-S-E, but I'll go with football as my favorite. 6. Favorite athlete to watch in another sport? Adrian Peterson. I love Minnesota sports teams and he's a
beast.
7. Favorite wrestler and why? Historically, Dennis Koslowski. Two-time Olympic medalist for the Minnesota Training Center. He kept improving throughout his career with his greatest achievements coming well after col- lege. He was a bear to pummel with and he was unstoppable on top. Now he adjusts my back from time to time as a chiro- practor in Minneapolis.
Among current athletes, there are too many athletes to choose from. I would say the whole 74 kg weight class and the man, Jordan Burroughs.
8. Best piece of advice you've received? It's not about personal success, it's about how many people you have helped become successful.
9. What kind of advice would you give a young wrestler? Keep it fun and develop basic athletic skills. Don't miss the forest through the trees. I'd refer them to Brandon Paulson, Andy Hrovat or Jake Herbert.
10. Best moment as a wrestler so far? It is an honor to compete on the U.S. National Team. I am reminded of this all of the time. My best moments have been walking off the mat with a win for our U.S. team and the Minnesota Training Center. 11. Name three people you would love to invite to dinner? My wife. The apostle Paul. Dave Schultz. Paul and Dave were arguably the toughest men of their time, and they were success- ful in a lot of ways. And my wife because she's my favorite. 12. What is one thing you are afraid of? Government overreach.
13. How did you become involved in wrestling? Dave Hazewinkel (1972 and 1976 Greco Olympian) was my gym teacher at a small, Baptist school in Minneapolis. He taught everyone how to wrestle, including my three older brothers. I fol- lowed my three older brothers into the sport.
Jordan Holm and Coach Dan Chandler. Larry Slater photo.
14. How were you able to adjust to competing on the Senior level?
I have always respected the process of improving in the sport of wrestling. It can be brutal at times and very demanding. Nothing is more challenging or personally rewarding than wrestling. I have always had an intensity to my personality. I want to perform my best in every moment and I want to win. I believe it has been a natural progression for me to now com- pete at the highest level. 15. Any idea what you will do when you stop competing? I plan to be a team leader someday and give back to the sport of wrestling. I am not exactly clear on the details of this plan, I just embrace the saying, "the mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." 16. What is the best part about training in Minnesota? The weather. Also, probably the legacy of athletes that have preceded me and the current athletes and coaches I train with. It's also great being close to my family. I really like MN. The guys on the team give me a hard time about loving my home state as much as I do. Everything's better here. 17. What are your goals for international wrestling? My goals are to be a World and an Olympic champion. 18. Coolest place you've traveled to and why? Probably Budapest. It's a beautiful city and my family was there to cheer me on at the World Championships. 19. What do you like about international wrestling? It's fun to represent the U.S. and to compete against the best in the World. Greco is a tactical street fight. I love the intensity! I try to outgun my opponent with physicality, grit and just enough technique to win.
20. Funniest guy on the team and why? Joe Rau. It's easy to laugh around Joe. He's usually doing something dumb or saying something funny. He's been ventur- ing into stand-up comedy and doing well.
21 USA Wrestler
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