Kyle Nguyen

Vancouver native Kyle Nguyen started wrestling near the end of grade nine, seeking to make a lifestyle change. Overweight throughout his childhood, Kyle sought to become fitter and healthier, and after encouragement from those around him, he became committed to – and quickly fell in love with – the sport of wrestling.

After making steady progress throughout his first two years in high school, Kyle made his wrestling breakthrough in grade 11. Competing at Fila/Cadet trials against well-established and more experienced athletes, Kyle finished second overall, securing himself an alternate spot on the Cadet National Team. Upon graduation from John Oliver Secondary School, Kyle was approached by University of Winnipeg Wesmen coach Adrian Bruce, and signed on to begin at the University of Winnipeg in the fall of 2012.

Kyle’s excellence has continued through his four years as a Wesmen, and recently had the opportunity to compete at the 2016 Olympic Trials, an experience he said was incredible and reaffirmed his future goals.

Despite competing as individuals, Kyle says a program’s strength lies in the strength of the group.

“You can’t train alone, and the friendships and bonds I’ve made through wrestling have been, and continue to be, some of the most rewarding in my life.”

Eventually, Kyle hopes to compete at wrestling’s highest level: the Olympics.

What he loves most about the sport: “No two wrestling matches or practices will ever be the same. Every time I step on the mat, I have the opportunity to learn more about the sport and myself.”