Jacobson wrestled folkstyle at Elkhorn High School in Wisconsin, but when he tried Greco-Roman he was hooked. He gave up folkstyle to wrestle Greco-Roman full-time, then attended Northern Michigan University and participated in the school's Greco-Roman training program.
“Not many guys do that. It's not the most popular thing. But if you want to be an Olympian in Greco, that's what you do. Go get a medal. Quit folkstyle early. “I'm going to Greco right away,” he said.
Since focusing on Greco-Roman, Jacobson has represented the United States at the U23 and U20 World Championships. Jacobson, just 21 years old, hopes to continue his development as a wrestler at Northern Michigan.
“We have a couple of dogs there. We're really a family. There's a brotherhood. It really takes a community to do this…I couldn't do this without my teammates. They They all help me and push me to my limits,” he said.
Jacobson competed at 77kg at the Under-23 World Championships, but moved up to 87kg for the Olympic Trials, a weight he found suited him well.
“It allows me to eat to my fullest potential. Instead of losing weight, get stronger. Instead of losing weight, worry about wrestling. ” he said. “I used to be a little guy. Always. That quickness rubbed off on me. And it helps me against the big guys.”
Jacobson hopes his speed and strength will lead to a medal at the Paris Olympics. These were the same qualities that helped another Payton become a legend in the sports world.
