First-ever wrestling medalist for Jamaica at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games
Asunción, Paraguay – Tyler Tracy etched his name into history at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games, winning a bronze medal in wrestling for Team Jamaica. The podium finish not only marked a personal milestone for Tracy but also represented Jamaica’s first-ever medal in the sport at the Junior Pan American Games.
For Tracy, a standout product of North Carolina wrestling programs and now a competitor for NC State University, the moment was both a continuation of his international success and a reflection of the values instilled in him through his community at home. His medal win in Asunción follows a string of accomplishments, including Jamaica’s first U23 Pan American wrestling medal earlier this year in Mexico, and gold medals in Guatemala and Peru in 2024.
The victory in Paraguay is the latest chapter in a journey that bridges two countries and two wrestling cultures, underscoring both the global reach of the sport and the local roots that prepared him for international competition.
A Historic Moment for Jamaica
Tracy’s bronze medal is more than a personal victory. It is a historic milestone for Jamaica, a nation better known for producing world-class sprinters and track athletes. His achievement puts Jamaica on the wrestling map, creating a legacy that will inspire athletes across the Caribbean to pursue the sport on the international stage.
This accomplishment carries added significance for the North Carolina wrestling community. Tracy, a two-time state champion at Cardinal Gibbons High School, an NHSCA National Finalist, and now a redshirt sophomore at NC State University, Tracy’s trajectory has consistently shown what dedication, resilience, and determination can achieve.
Coach Brandon Palmer, who has known Tracy since his high school days, emphasized that his current international success reflects a long-standing work ethic. “Tyler has a relentless drive to compete at the highest levels of the sport. I had the privilege of coaching Tyler at the high school level so to me it isn’t surprising to see him becoming a decorated international medalist while balancing a competitive collegiate career. His work ethic is, and has always been, remarkable. He’s a special athlete and more importantly an outstanding person. We’re incredibly proud of what he’s accomplished, and I know his best wrestling is still ahead of him.”
International Accomplishments and Rising Profile
The Junior Pan American Games medal adds to a growing list of international accolades Tracy has achieved in Jamaica’s colors.
- June 2024 – Gold medal in the 70 kg men’s freestyle at both the senior and U20 divisions of the UWW Pat Shaw Memorial Tournament in Guatemala City.
- July 2024 – Gold medal in the 70 kg division at the U20 Pan American Championships in Lima, Peru.
- April 2025 – Bronze medal in the 74 kg weight class at the U23 Pan American Championships in Querétaro, Mexico, becoming Jamaica’s first medalist at that level.
- August 2025 – Bronze medal at the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay, securing his place in Jamaica’s wrestling history.
- October 2025 (upcoming) – Scheduled to represent Jamaica at the U23 World Wrestling Championships in Serbia.
Each of these accomplishments reinforces Tracy’s reputation as a competitor unafraid of the global stage. For Jamaica, his results provide a foundation for the nation’s wrestling program. For North Carolina, they serve as a testament to how the state’s wrestling infrastructure can produce athletes capable of competing internationally.
Matt Hickey, Co-Founder of NC Wrestling United, described the moment as a reflection of both Tracy’s commitment and the broader potential of wrestling in North Carolina; “Tyler has given back to the North Carolina wrestling community as a volunteer with NC United running practices and mentoring athletes and now he’s making our entire state proud on the biggest international stages, a great moment for our wrestling community.”
Giving Back to the Next Generation
While his international accolades have brought him into the global spotlight, Tracy remains deeply connected to the North Carolina wrestling community. He regularly attends NC Wrestling United practices and spends time at the Raleigh Area Wrestling Club, mentoring younger athletes and ensuring that the next generation is prepared to carry the sport forward.
Coach Casey Gashaw of the Raleigh Area Wrestling Club highlighted the importance of Tracy’s presence in the training room. “Tyler Tracy represents everything we want our athletes to be dedicated, resilient, and proud of where they come from. Tyler has made us proud representing NC on the international stage. But he still consistently comes in the room at RAW (Raleigh Area Wrestling Club) and volunteers, coaches, and mentors the next generation. Tyler continues to inspire me, our club, and NC wrestlers every step of the way.”
This willingness to give back, even while pursuing the highest levels of competition himself, reflects the philosophy at the core of NC Wrestling United: creating an ecosystem in which athletes not only pursue their own success but also strengthen the foundation for future wrestlers.
Colton Palmer, Co-Founder and Coach at NC Wrestling United, captured this vision in his remarks. “Tyler represents what NC United is about. He has earned the opportunity to compete on the international stage and with one of the best college wrestling programs in the country. In the height of his own journey, he still commits time to coach and mentor athletes from his high school, his home club, and NC United. He is the example of the vision we have for North Carolina’s wrestling’s ecosystem, pouring back into the sport that has poured into you.”
Inspiring the Wrestling Community
Tracy’s achievement is a rallying point for both Jamaica and North Carolina. For Jamaica, it signals a new era of opportunity in wrestling. For North Carolina, it shows what can be achieved when athletes are supported by a community that values hard work, mentorship, and a commitment to making a mark on the national and international stages.
The significance extends beyond medals. Wrestling is a sport that demands not only technical skill but also mental toughness and persistence. Tracy’s story is one of a young athlete carrying the lessons learned on the international stage and returning to share those lessons with others.
NC Wrestling United and its partner programs believe that moments like these are not isolated. They represent what is possible when a community builds a sustainable ecosystem of training, competition, and mentorship. Tracy is the embodiment of that mission, and his historic win is both a personal triumph and a demonstration of what North Carolina wrestling can achieve
NC Wrestling United and its partner programs believe that moments like these are not isolated. They represent what is possible when a community builds a sustainable ecosystem of training, competition, and mentorship. Tracy is the embodiment of that mission, and his historic win is both a personal triumph and a demonstration of what North Carolina wrestling can achieve.
Tracy balances his collegiate commitments with his international career, training under one of the most competitive programs in the United States while simultaneously pioneering Jamaica’s presence in international wrestling. His journey is one of dual impact: raising Jamaica’s wrestling profile abroad while strengthening the North Carolina wrestling ecosystem at home.
About NC Wrestling United
NC Wrestling United is committed to building a sustainable wrestling ecosystem in North Carolina. The organization emphasizes athlete development, mentorship, and community, ensuring wrestlers at all levels have access to the resources and role models that will drive them to succeed.
Through partnerships with high schools, clubs, referee’s associations, and collegiate programs, NC Wrestling United provides a platform for athletes to grow while remaining connected to their communities. Tyler Tracy’s historic achievement exemplifies this mission, showing how dedication, commitment, and mentorship can intersect to inspire the next generation.
Tyler Tracy’s bronze medal at the Junior Pan American Games is a historic first for Jamaica but also a reminder of what is possible when athletes are supported by a community. NC Wrestling United invites wrestlers, coaches, and supporters across the state to continue building on this momentum fostering a culture of success.
Media Contact:
NC Wrestling United | Email: info@ncwrestlingunited.com
References
- Jamaica Observer: Jamaican Wrestler Wins Bronze at Junior Pan American Games
- NC State Bio: GoPack.com – Tyler Tracy
- GoPack.com Tyler Tracy Earns Bronze at 2025 Pan American Games
