Diome qualifies for Worlds

Wrestler Grayden Diome had a single opponent standing between him and making Team Canada for the U17 age group’s World Championships.

“I made sure to get a solid warmup in so I don’t go out on the mat cold, and went over all my moves. Right before the match starts, I don’t feel any nerves because I know I trained hard enough and I’m more focused than anything,” said Diome of his mindset and preparation before he faced Max Godin from the Synergy Wrestling team in the 48-KG finals.

Diome defeated Godin by points, 10-0, to earn his place on Team Canada.

“It feels great to have made a Worlds team spot, but I can’t get caught up in the win, I still have to stay focused and train hard,” said Diome.

Nick Tritton, Diome’s stepfather and owner of Tritton Performance - the team Diome wrestles for - had a similar mindset.

“Obviously I’m proud of his accomplishments and given the talent he has, I’m not surprised when he wins,” said Tritton.

“It’s something to be proud of, but at the same time for me as a coach, we just move forward on the long-term development plan, which is to try and gain international experience and results. Hopefully Grayden can stay focused long-term, as the ultimate goal is the Olympics for any high-level wrestler.”

As part of his training for the World Championships, which will take place from July 27 to August 2, 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Diome will train internationally, with training camps and tournaments in the United States, Japan, and Hong Kong.

“I’m really excited to train internationally and put my hands on some different wrestlers. I also want to see where I am at the international level to have that goal of where I want to be,” said Diome.

There are not many wrestlers in Canada in Diome’s weight class that are as skilled as him, Tritton said, meaning that going up a weight class and age group next year will be the next step in seeing where he is at in his development.

“This sport is unforgiving, as you always start back at zero the following season,” said Tritton.

Ryland Diome, Grayden’s father, expressed pride in the accomplishments Grayden has had as a wrestler.

“I’m incredibly proud of my son, proud of all the hard work he’s putting in at the gym as well as school, proud of him for being out there on the mats not only representing himself but representing our nation,” said Ryland.

“I’m so happy that he’s representing his ancestors as well. It makes me happy as a parent to see him achieve his goals and to be successful at something. I always remind him how strong he truly is in his mind and body and the only limits he has are the ones he sets on himself.”

The venue hosting the world trials was Centre Pierre Charbonneau in Tiohtià:ke, the same venue that had hosted Olympic wrestling for the 1976 Summer Olympics.

“This is a great venue and was a great idea by Wrestling Quebec to host the event there. It was awesome to see some of the old national team members in attendance as well,” said Tritton.

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