Thompson targets CAC Games medal on debut

Jamaican Greco-Roman wrestler Tyrece Thompson is aiming to make history at his debut Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, setting his sights on a podium finish while continuing to raise the profile of one of Jamaica’s lesser-known sports.
Thompson is set to compete in the men’s Greco-Roman wrestling at the upcoming CAC Games and said his journey into the sport began with a simple desire to stay fit rather than an ambition to compete internationally.
Despite starting the sport as a hobby, Thompson’s talent on the mat quickly caught the attention of the Jamaica Wrestling Federation (JWF), which opened his eyes to the opportunities ahead.
“I started doing it to stay fit,” Thompson said. “I got good, and the wrestling federation took a chance on me. They sent me overseas to train and to compete.”
Under the JWF’s guidance, Thompson took to representing Jamaica and made his competitive debut in 2023 at the Barbados Open in beach wrestling.
He explained that beach wrestling is a completely different form of combat sport compared to Greco-Roman wrestling, but he found his footing and claimed the bronze medal at the Barbados Open.
“My first competition was a beach wrestling competition in Barbados, and I placed third at that competition,” Thompson said.
“Beach wrestling is on the beach while Greco-Roman wrestling happens on the mat. It’s a whole different surface and a whole different type of sport on its own. Even though it’s the same wrestling, everything changes because of the landscape that we’re on.”
compete
While his career might still be in its infancy, Thompson said he is honoured to have been selected to compete at the CAC Games, which will be the biggest competition of his career to date.
He said it is a privilege to wave the Jamaican banner in one of the island’s non-traditional sports and is hopeful a medal placing could lift the profile of Jamaica’s wrestling scene.
“I’m hoping to make some more history when I go to Santo Domingo,” Thompson said. “Being able to represent this sport at one of the highest levels is a very astounding feeling, and it’s an honour because it’s one of the sports that we say is a non-traditional sport.
“If you asked me four years ago if I was going to do this, I’d probably tell you you’re crazy,” he continued.
“Personally, the goal is to come out with a medal. I’m not going to jump off and say straight off the bat gold meda, because wrestling is very unpredictable. I know I’m going to give it my all, so whatever my all is, I’m happy with that result.”
Thompson’s eyes might be locked on the CAC Games right now, but the wrestler believes this can be a platform to even more success.
He admitted to having aspirations of representing Jamaica on the Olympic stage and believes this is just one step towards that goal.
“Every competition is a stepping stone towards the big games, which is the Olympics,” Thompson said.
“The CAC Games is one of the ones that will help you qualify because wrestling has a points system. The better you do at competitions and qualifiers, the better chance you have of earning your spot for the Olympics.”
gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com