Rocking Wrestling Celebration at Canada Olympic House
Tonya Verbeek and Carol Huynh are Canadian wrestling legends. Between them, they have five Olympic medals. Their most recent silver and bronze respectively were celebrated at Canada Olympic House in fine fashion.
Verbeek made history in Athens in 2004 when she became the first woman to win a wrestling medal for Canada. In Beijing she won bronze and now, in London, she has added another silver to her collection.
“Thanks to all of you for being here and supporting wrestling,” said Verbeek. “Over the last eight years, women’s wrestling has come a long way and I’m very proud to be a part of this team.”
Huynh made her mark in Beijing in 2008 when she became the first Olympic gold medallist for Canada in women’s wrestling. She won her second Olympic medal in London.
“I want everyone to know how much heart and determination the entire team has put into this whole process,” said Huynh. “I’m so proud of my teammates and training partners who were there with us through it all.
Verbeek hinted that this could very well be the last time she competes at the Olympic Games.
“This is a really special Games for me,” she said. “Everything came together. I know I didn’t come out with the gold but I had so much fun out there and I really enjoyed competing for Canada.”
As the music began to play, signaling the end of the speeches, Verbeek and Huynh hugged. It was a testament to the solid bond that unites the women’s wrestling team – and all of its support in Canada.
– By Kristina Velan
