Wednesday JULY 30, 2025 |
Photo – Thiago Romero – Courtesy Wild Sky Photography
A Rawlins high school wrestler is seeking public support to be named Youth Athlete of the Year and earn a featured ad in Sports Illustrated magazine.
Fifteen-year-old Rawlins High School student, Thiago Romero, is asking the public to support his bid to become Youth Athlete of the Year. The annual competition is hosted by Colossal, a nationally registered fundraising organization that specializes in online campaigns designed to highlight young athletes. The Youth Athlete of the Year winner receives $25,000 and an ad in Sports Illustrated.
Romero has been wrestling since he was five years old. As a high school freshman, he was invited to state tournaments and the USA Wrestling Western Regional Championship in Herriman, Utah. Romero also earned a varsity letter jacket as a freshman. However, the high school wrestler said his proudest accomplishment was participating in the 16 and Under National Championships in Fargo, North Dakota.
Romero also earned victories in the Wyoming Amateur Wrestling Association tournament in Casper, placing in all three disciplines: Greco-Roman, freestyle, and folkstyle. Romero explained the difference between the different wrestling styles.
Romero said he prefers folkstyle wrestling, the most widely practiced discipline in U.S. high schools and colleges, known for its emphasis on control, escapes, and riding time.
Romero’s father, Doug, said he learned about the Youth Athlete of the Year competition through Facebook. Impressed by his son’s skill and dedication to wrestling, the elder Romero chose to nominate him for the award. To his surprise, Thiago quickly climbed to third place in the national rankings.
Doug Romero said a link to the Youth Athlete of the Year website is available on Facebook. Supporters may cast one free vote per day. Additional votes require a donation to a youth health initiative, such as the Why Not You and the V Foundations.
The winner of the Youth Athlete of the Year award receives an advertising deal with 3BRAND, a youth-oriented clothing company founded by New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson. The ad will run in a future Sports Illustrated magazine issue. Additionally, the winner will be awarded $25,000. Romero said he will use the prize money to purchase a truck.
Romero thanked his coaches who helped him excel throughout his wrestling career, as well as everyone who has already voted. A link to Romero’s Youth Athlete of the Year competition page can be found in this story on the Bigfoot99 website. Voting ends at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, August 7th.
Thiago Romero Youth Athlete of the Year: Thiago | Youth Athlete of the Year
