Tyler Tracy, a North Carolina native and NC State University wrestler, etched his name into Jamaican sporting history on Saturday by securing a bronze medal in the men’s 74kg freestyle division at the 2025 U23 Pan American Wrestling Championships, becoming one of the first Jamaican wrestlers to reach the podium at the continental event.

Representing Jamaica’s national team, Tracy stormed through the early rounds with commanding victories—blanking Colombia’s Alexander Matias Cusinga Gomez 10-0 in the round of 16 and overpowering Peru’s Hossman Eduardo Carvajal Rojas 11-0 in the quarterfinals, both by technical fall.

He encountered a tough challenge in the semifinals against Puerto Rico’s Rafael Omar Garcia Morales, falling 16-6. However, Tracy bounced back with authority in the bronze medal match, defeating Chile’s Arnoldo Ariel Proboste 16-6 to secure his place on the podium.

The gold medal in the division was claimed by Cuba’s Orislandy Perdomo Brooks, while Puerto Rico’s Garcia Morales took home silver.

Tracy’s bronze not only represents a personal milestone but also a major achievement for Jamaican wrestling, a sport steadily gaining traction in the island nation. His performance also qualifies Jamaica’s 74kg category for the U23 World Championships, ensuring the country will be represented on the global stage later this year.

A product of Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, Tracy has developed into a key member of NC State’s Wolfpack wrestling program and continues to contribute to the growth of the sport in his home state. His leadership, mentorship, and now international success serve as a powerful inspiration—both to young wrestlers in North Carolina and aspiring athletes in Jamaica.

With this latest breakthrough, Tyler Tracy has not only added a new chapter to his career but also helped elevate Jamaica’s presence in the world of freestyle wrestling.