Wrestler medals, two other Bajans secure Pan Am qualification spots

Barbados has secured two qualification spots for the 2025 Junior Pan American Games and claimed a bronze medal at the Pan American Wrestling Championships held in Mexico, marking a major milestone for the island’s young wrestlers.

Competing in Queretaro from April 10 to 13, an under-20 national team impressed at both the U23 Pan American Championships and the Senior Pan American Beach Wrestling Championships, despite being up against older, more experienced athletes.

Eighteen-year-old Matthew Arindell, the Caribbean’s top beach wrestler, earned a bronze medal in the 90+ kg division—Barbados’ first podium finish at the senior Pan Am level in beach wrestling.

Arindell is a graduate of the Beat the Blocks program.

In addition to the medal, Barbados also earned two qualification slots in the 225 kg freestyle and 230 kg weight divisions for the Junior Pan-Am Games, to be held in Asuncion, Paraguay in August.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY, President of the Barbados Wrestling Association, Rollins Alleyne, praised the team’s efforts and credited their achievements to sustained investment in development.

“This success is a direct result of the funding and development pilot project supported by the Barbados Olympic Association,” he said.

“We are proud of these young athletes who continue to prove that with the right support, Barbados can stand tall on the international stage.”

The seven-member delegation, which included six athletes and one coach, will travel to Paraguay later this month for a nine-day training camp in preparation for the Games.

Alleyne expressed thanks to the BOA, Panam Sports, coaches, athletes and their families.

He also called for additional support as the team gears up for the U20 Pan American Championships in Santiago, Chile.

Alleyne encouraged persons interested in beach or mat wrestling to reach out to the federation at 283-4526 or via email at barbadoswrestling@gmail.com.

(SM)