2006-06-05

Azarbayjani and Belisle Win Gold At Pan American Championships

The Pan American Wrestling Championships were completed this past weekend in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil site of the 2007 Pan American Games.

On the men's side, Saeed Azarbayjani of the Niagara Olympic Wrestling Club in St. Catharines captured the gold medal at the 60kg weight class with an outstanding 4-0 record which included a win over Maikel Perez of Cuba. Travis Cross of Port Alberni, BC won the bronze medal at 84kg. Canada competed in six of the seven weight classes for men. The other top finisher was Matt Gentry (5th) at 74kg who was unable to continue to the repechage due to an injury in the quarter final versus Ivan Fundora of Cuba who won the weight class.

Canada's women's team at this event was comprised primarily of U24 wrestlers who were gaining valuable international experience at this continental championship.

Lyndsay Belisle of Hazelton, BC and training at the Burnaby Mountain Wrestling Club won the gold medal at the 51kg weight class defeating Jenny Wong of the USA in the final. Other medallists for Canada included; Lyndsay Rushton (48kg - bronze) of Guelph, Michelle Fazzari (59kg - bronze) of St. Catharines, Stefanie Howorun (67kg - bronze) from Hamilton and Leah Callahan (72kg - bronze) of Calgary.

The coaching staff for the team was comprised of Dave Mair and Christine Nordhagen for the women and Dave McKay and Marty Calder for the men. Dr. Wilbour Kelsick provided medical support and FILA 1 referees Lee MacKay and Jim Mitchell officiated the event.

For complete results go to : www.cbla.com.br/pan2006/

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