Proviso Press Release

HILLSIDE, IL -Proviso West High School recently welcomed back one of its distinguished alumni, Kamal Bey, a 2024 Olympic wrestler and U.S. Army WCAP Soldier, as a guest speaker for current student-athletes. Bey shared his inspiring journey from the hallways of Proviso West to the global stage of the Olympics, motivating students with his story of perseverance, discipline, and dedication to the sport of wrestling.

During his visit, Bey reflected on his remarkable career and the lessons he has learned along the way. He emphasized the importance of personal growth, building meaningful connections, and maintaining a sense of gratitude for opportunities. Above all, he stressed the value of hard work in achieving success.

“Talented people can struggle with that hard work aspect. At the end of the day, if you're not putting in the work, the extra hours, and really trying to put in toward your craft, somebody is going to catch up to you,” Bey told the student-athletes, encouraging them to put their best effort into every practice competition, and, of course, academics.

Bey’s wrestling career has been nothing short of extraordinary. He rose to prominence in the sport as a high school athlete at Proviso West, where his skill and tenacity earned him national recognition. After high school, Bey joined the U.S. Army's World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), where he continued to excel in his craft, becoming a multi-time national champion in Greco-Roman wrestling. His hard work and dedication have culminated in his selection to represent Team USA at the 2024 Olympic Games.

In addition to his motivational talk, Bey engaged with students during a Q&A session, answering questions about his experiences and offering advice on balancing academics, athletics, and personal development.

Proviso West High School is proud to count Kamal Bey as one of its own and grateful for his continued commitment to inspiring the next generation of student-athletes.