Jayden Lawrence

Biography

Jayden Lawrence, born in Camden, NSW, is a formidable force in the world of freestyle wrestling. His journey started at a young age; by nine years old, he was already begging his father to let him join the sport, influenced by his wrestler cousin, Justin Holland. Just a year into training, Jayden clinched his first junior national title, setting the stage for a successful wrestling career.

Determined to hone his skills, Jayden and his family traveled extensively, visiting countries like the USA, Canada, and Japan to face tougher opponents and learn diverse wrestling techniques. His persistence paid off, leading to multiple State, National, and Oceania Championships in junior freestyle wrestling. Representing Australia, he notably finished fifth at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.

Jayden's senior career saw him winning the Oceania Championship in the 66kg category in 2012 and attempting to qualify for the London Olympics. His accolades grew with victories at the 2013 Oceania Championship and a second-place finish at the Commonwealth Championship in the 74kg freestyle division.

His first Commonwealth Games experience in Glasgow 2014 was mixed; although he reached the bronze medal match, he fell short. Nonetheless, he defended his Oceania Championship title that same year. Competing again in the 86kg division at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, he finished 10th.

In 2021, Jayden faced disappointment when he couldn't secure a spot for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. However, his perseverance paid off in Birmingham 2022, where he earned a bronze medal in the 86kg division, his third attempt at the Commonwealth Games.

Jayden showcased his dominance by winning the Oceania Championships in both 2023 and 2024, remaining undefeated in the 86kg division. His success at the 2024 African and Oceania Olympic Game Qualifier in Egypt earned him a spot at Paris 2024, marking a significant milestone in his wrestling career.