‘I want to do my part to help:’ Vancouver wrestling star raises nearly $40K for charity

Vancouver wrestler Jeremy Lynch, 15, is raising funds to compete in Europe’s largest wrestling tournament, in Estonia.

Jeremy Lynch spends most nights sleeping in his garage so that he can wake up and train first thing in the morning.

“This is where I sleep because if I’m doing a morning workout, I want to wake up at 6 a.m. and train right away,” said Lynch, sitting on a mattress on the floor.

The 15-year-old practices wrestling moves on a heavy grappling dummy and lifts weights four to five times a week.

Lynch is already a national wrestling champion but is working towards an international competition in March.

“Right now, I’m raising money to go to Estonia in March because they have Europe’s largest tournament,” said Lynch. “That would be some great training.”

Lynch’s coach says his talent and work ethic are well beyond his years.

“His hard work and commitment to understanding the sport—watching tape, asking questions—very few athletes are as committed as Jeremy is,” said Mitch Dodd, Lynch’s coach with Coast Wrestling.

“I expect Jeremy to be on the national team. U-17 national team. If not this year, next year for sure.”

While Lynch spends many hours a week on training, he’s also found time to give back. Since he was six-years-old, Jeremy has made greeting cards and sold them on the streets to support multiple charitable cause.

“Cheetah Conservation Fund, Ocean-wise, International Justice Mission and Greenpeace,” said Lynch, who’s raised nearly $40,000 over the years. “I just think that people and animals need a lot of help, and I want to do my part to help them. And I also like making cards, so it’s an easy way for me.”

Lynch’s father says he’s always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a love for wildlife and the environment.

“We’ve always said Jeremy has a very focused personality,” said Matt Lynch. “We’re just really thrilled that it’s in this area, as opposed to many other things that kids could occupy themselves with.”

On the road ahead, Lynch hopes to represent his country on the sport’s biggest stage.

“I want to be an Olympian for Canada and bring home a medal,” he said.