By Cliff Brunt
Associated Press
Five years ago, Kyle Dake was injured and ready to retire.

Though he had been one of America’s most successful freestyle wrestlers, he had come up short of his most lofty goals many times. Injuries to his labrum, bicep, hand, shoulder and foot played a significant role in his struggles.

He also was trying to get past Jordan Burroughs — widely considered one of the best freestyle wrestlers of all time. Burroughs won an Olympic gold medal in 2012 and has claimed four world titles at 74 kilograms.

He beat Burroughs at this year’s U.S. Olympic trials to qualify for the Games for the first time.

At age 30, Dake feels his time finally has come.

“I feel better than I’ve ever felt,” he said. “I feel like I did when I was a young teenager. I just feel nimble. I feel that I’m making all the right decisions. And I know I’m making the right decisions because I’m not really in pain anymore.”

Dake said beating Burroughs gives him confidence heading into Tokyo, but he knows that doesn't guarantee anything.

“I had to go out and perform at a level that was better than anyone’s ever seen,” Dake said. “Having done that is great, but that was never the ultimate goal. The ultimate goal is to go out and be an Olympic gold medalist.”

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