OTTAWA — Wrestling Canada Lutte (WCL) is pleased to announce the 19 athletes, coaches and support staff that will represent Canada at the 2024 U17 Pan-American (Pan-Am) Championships, June 27-29 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
“WCL is sending our top U17 wrestlers to compete in the Pan-Am Championships in the Dominican Republic. This will be the first time many of the wrestlers have the opportunity to represent Canada on the international stage,” said Chris Woodcroft, WCL High Performance Director. “The team has an extensive coaching and support staff accompanying the athletes to ensure their first experience is a positive one, both on and off the mats. We are looking forward to watching our athletes compete.”
While the team may have many athletes making their international debut, there are also multiple wrestlers who have international experience and have brought home medals from this event in the past. All team members will be looking to find success and build momentum towards the U17 World Championships, August 19-25 in Amman, Jordan.
One of those athletes who recently found success at the event is Abbotsford, British Columbia’s Michaeljeet Grewal. Last year, Grewal took the gold in Mexico after going a perfect four-for-four in his round robin at 92kg, winning all matches by superiority. This past March, he defended his national championship, earning the right to represent Canada again this year. He will once again be looking to top the podium in the Dominican Republic.
As for the women, Winnipeg’s Kaura Coles is another past medalist at the event. Coles won silver in 2022 at 49kg. Since her silver medal winning performance, Coles has gone up to 53kg in 2024 and took top honours at the Canadian Wrestling Championships. She will look to accomplish the impressive feat of medalling in multiple weight classes as she takes to the mats in Santo Domingo.
2024 U17 Pan-American Championships Team
Accompanying the team are the coaching staff and team officials. The group includes coaches Gurjot Kooner, Fred Ortencio, Neal Ewers and Shane Bradley; team leader Jolene Wong; and athletic therapist Vic Sanghera.
For complete tournament information, visit the tournament website at: https://uww.org/event/u17-pan-american-championships/news
About Wrestling Canada Lutte (WCL)
Wrestling Canada Lutte (WCL) is the national sport governing body for Olympic style wrestling in Canada. Among its responsibilities, the association selects and prepares Canada’s teams that participate in international competitions including Continental Championships, World Championships and major multi-sport Games (i.e. Olympic Games). WCL works with provincial and territorial partners to deliver world-class programs and services to athletes, coaches, and officials to achieve podium success and grow the sport.
For more information:
Darren Matte
Marketing & Communications Manager
Tel: 416-768-6847
Email: dmatte@wrestling.ca