ABOUT ME

EARLY LIFE

Hey there, I'm JD! I was born into a large family in Northwest Ohio. I'm the second oldest out of five children. At the age of 10 I was coached by my dad, James Bergman, (who was one of 14) and several uncles. When I attened Oak Harbor High School, there were 5 Bergman’s (my 2 bros, my 2 cousins, & I) on the Oak Harbor high school varsity lineup at one time, not including my uncle George Bergman, the head coach.

COLLEGE

CAREER

While attending THE Ohio State University, I started out wrestling as a true-freshman at 197 pounds and finished 3rd in the NCAA. The next few years accumulated with 3 knee surgeries, torn shoulder labrums, and torn rib and chest cartilage. I ended up a 3 time All-American for the Buckeyes and then set my eyes for the gold. After winning my first 3 matches in the 2008 US Open, I blew out my good knee completely and I was sidelined again with a 4th major knee surgery. I got back to rehab and came back in 2010 to win the US Open and the USA World Team trials and wrestle in the 2010 World Championships in Moscow. After being undefeated domestically for over a year, and with my eyes set on a 2011 World medal and an 2012 Olympic gold …I tore a disc in my low back wrestling in a competition in Belarus in 2011. I later found out it was bleeding on my spinal cord. Experts said I needed back surgery to be able to even walk and play with my future kids, let alone train for the Olympics. Doctors also told me I needed to have shoulder surgery and a 5th knee surgery… I did not get any of the suggested surgeries.

TEAM USA

Ever since then, I have been on a mission to do the very best things for my body and to inform others about the incredible power inside of each and every one of us. I have become a health and wellness specialist & a professional speaker, and drastically changed my training, nutrition, and mindset. After finishing a heartbreaking 3rd place in the 2012 Olympic trials and all signs pointing at retiring from the great sport of wrestling, something amazing happened. It became clear that I could continue my life long pursuit of Olympic glory by getting even more committed to my overall health and daily habits. In 2013 I won my second US Open and USA World Team trials and wrestled in the 2013 World Championships in Budapest. My current goal is to win the 2015 World Championships in Vegas and the 2016 Games in Rio. In the mean time, I love to help as many people as possible become healthier: spiritually, mentally, and physically. I love to share the truth with people. The truth, which is so hard to come by.

I have served on 5 different committees with USA Wrestling for many years. I’ve coached, and taught countless young wrestlers. Not only to become better wrestlers, but to become better people. I do appearances and speak to inspire, all the time. I was a training partner with Team USA for the 2009 and 2011 World Championships and for the 2012 Games.

I have a heart for entertainment, motivational speaking, and making people laugh. I’m excited to meet the wonderful people that support my dream and my passion to share truth and love to all.

TRUEhealth

Ever since then, I have been on a mission to do the very best things for my body and to inform others about the incredible power inside of each and every one of us. I have become a health and wellness specialist & a professional speaker, and drastically changed my training, nutrition, and mindset.