Sebastian Rivera


Sebastian C Rivera is a Stateside Puerto Rican freestyle wrestler who competes internationally at 65 kilograms. The 2023 World silver medalist, he represented Puerto [Rico at the 2024 Summer Olympics] and the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games, earning the bronze medal and silver medal, respectively.

Career

Raised in New Jersey, Rivera started wrestling at a young age, winning prestigious tournaments in high school such as Super 32 and the New Jersey state championship as a senior out of Christian Brothers Academy. Entering Northwestern University in 2016, Rivera became a two-time All-American and a two-time Big Ten Conference champion, but was not able to compete at the 2020 NCAA championships as they were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transferring to Rutgers University as a graduate student, Rivera claimed All-American honors once again in March 2021. After, he started representing Puerto Rico in freestyle competition, competing at the World Olympic Qualification Tournament, Pan American Championships, World Championships, and Puerto Rican Nationals. Back to folkstyle season, Rivera once again became an All-American in 2022, concluding his college career.
In May 2022, Rivera claimed a silver medal at the Pan American Championships after making the finals. In June and July respectively, he became the prestigious Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series champion and the Grand Prix of Spain champion. He lost his bronze medal match in the 65kg event at the 2022 World Wrestling Championships held in Belgrade, Serbia.

Freestyle record

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