Jamaica Wrestling Federation

Jamaica Wrestling Federation

Sport	Wrestling (Amateur)
Abbreviation	JWF
Founded	2011
Affiliation	United World Wrestling (UWW)
Headquarters	Kingston, Jamaica
Official website
www.jamaicawrestlingfederation.org

The sport of wrestling has been practiced in Jamaica since 1976, with the first amateur wrestling competing at the 1978 Commonwealth Games and various Olympic cyles, the first wrestling club was Ocho Rios Wreslting Club in 2020. The sport continued to grow during the 21st century and by 2024, had a few wrestlers medal at CAC Games and Pan Am Games.

History

The Jamaica Wrestling Federation was founded by Kevin Wallen in 2011. ^[1] The federation administers Freestyle Wrestling , Greco-Roman wrestling and Beach wrestling for Jamaica via UWW and the JOA.

Wrestling in Jamaica

Jamaica has hosted a Beach wrestling competition since 2025. ^[2]

International Medalists

Olympic Games

None

Pan Am Games

• Aaron Johnson 2023 - (3rd - 125 kg MFS)

CAC Games

• Aaron Johnson 2022 - (3rd - 125 kg MFS) ^[3]

Commonwealth Games

None

Junior Pan Am Games

• Tyler Tracy 2025 - (3rd - 74 kg MFS) ^[4]

Senior World Championships

None

U23 World Championships

None

U20 World Championships

None

U17 World Championships

None

Notable Wrestlers

• Aaron Johnson - first Jamaica wrestler to medal at the CAC Games and Pan Am Games ^[5]
• Lesyan Cousin - First International medalist ^[6]
• Kevin Wallen - Founder of the Jamaica Wrestling Federation ^[7]
• Fitzlloyd Walker - First Jamaican wrestler to compete at a major games event (1978 Commonwealth Games) ^[8]
• Tyler Tracy - First Jamaican wrestler to medal at Junior Pan Am Games ^[9]

See also

• Sport in Jamaica
• United World Wrestling
• Pan American Games
• Central American and Caribbean Games
• Commonwealth Games

References

1. "History". Jamaican Wrestling Federation. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
2. "JWF President touts sport-open beach competition". Jamaica Gleaner. 5 January 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
3. https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2023/07/02/jamaican-wrestler-pleads-for-greater-financial-support/
4. https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2025/08/22/jamaican-wrestler-wins-bronze-junior-pan-american-games/
5. "Pan Am medallist hoping to inspire young wrestlers". Jamaica Observer. 26 November 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
6. "Jamaican wrestlers hunt Olympic spot". Jamaica Gleaner. 11 March 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
7. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/athletics/2018/04/14/windscreen-washing-gold-coast-48-year-old-jamaican-wrestler/
8. https://britishwrestling.org/black-history-month-a-look-at-british-wrestling-history/
9. https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2025/08/22/jamaican-wrestler-wins-bronze-junior-pan-american-games/