Coach Pat Selk and athlete Payton Shields in Mississauga, Ontario. (Photo: Bill Bain Photography)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge wrestler captures gold at national competition

Apr 9, 2024 | 9:53 AM

MISSISSAUGA, ON – Wrestlers from Lethbridge made their way to Ontario this past weekend to compete at the 2024 U15, U17 & U19 national championships.

The event was held in Mississauga, Ontario from April 5-7 and had athletes competing in both freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling.

Payton Shields went undefeated in both styles to win the national championship and double gold medals in the Women’s 57kg and U19 categories.

Payton Shields at the 2024 U15, U17 & U19 national championships in Mississauga, Ontario. (Photo: Bill Bain Photography)

Sydney Shields double-medaled with a bronze in the freestyle U17, 80kg category, and a silver medal in Greco Roman. Meanwhile, Reese Ferguson won silver in the U19, 53kg Greco Roman and Amelia Prenevost finished fifth in the U17, 53kg Greco Roman style.

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Amelia Prenevost (in red) competing. (Photo: Bill Bain Photography)

“We’re so proud of all the athletes that competed this weekend,” says Pat Selk, director of wrestling operations for the Lethbridge Amateur Wrestling Association (LAWA).

“All of our kids showed the country that Lethbridge is a hot spot for our sport that is more than capable of producing national caliber wrestlers. It goes without saying that we are super proud of Payton Shields and the work she put in to accomplish her goal of a national title.”

“We look forward to watching her career after high school as she joins the Pronghorns at the University of Lethbridge next season,” adds Selk.

Reese Ferguson (in blue) competing at the national competition. (Photo: Bill Bain Photography)

The LAWA is also celebrating Alan Hansen, the director of the association and the Pronghorn Amateur Wrestling Association (PAWA). Hansen is set to receive a lifetime achievement award from the Lethbridge Sport Council later this month.

Read more local sports at Lethbridge News Now.

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