In a heart-stopping finish that will forever be etched in Rutgers wrestling lore, Sebastian Rivera became the first Scarlet Knight to ever win an Olympic medal. Representing Puerto Rico, Rivera secured a bronze medal in the 65kg freestyle wrestling category at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Rivera’s journey to the podium was a testament to his grit and determination. After a tough loss in the quarterfinals to the eventual gold medalist, he battled back through the repechage bracket, securing two crucial victories to earn a shot at the bronze medal against Mongolia’s Tulga Tumur-Ochir.
The bronze medal match was a microcosm of Rivera’s fighting spirit. Down 4-0 with time ticking away, he orchestrated a stunning comeback, scoring a takedown and executing three gut wrenches to surge into an 8-4 lead.
Tumur-Ochir refused to go quietly, narrowing the gap to 8-7 with seconds remaining. But Rivera, with the weight of history on his shoulders, secured a dramatic takedown at the buzzer to clinch the 10-7 victory and the historic bronze medal.
Rivera’s win is a groundbreaking moment for both Rutgers wrestling and Puerto Rican wrestling. He is the first Puerto Rican wrestler to win an Olympic medal since Jaime Espinal’s silver in 2012.
His journey to Olympic glory is a testament to his unwavering dedication, hard work, and self-belief. After finishing his collegiate career at Rutgers with a remarkable 30-1 record, Rivera now adds an Olympic medal to his already impressive list of accomplishments.
This historic win will undoubtedly inspire countless future Rutgers wrestlers, serving as a powerful reminder that with passion, perseverance, and the right mindset, anything is possible.
