GOLD COAST, Australia – Martine Dugrenier, a three-time World Champion, will be coaching Team Canada at the Commonwealth Games.

Dugrenier, who coaches at Montreal YMHA, was selected to as an apprentice coach by the Commonwealth Games Federation’s Women’s Coach Internship Program, a pilot program designed to develop female coaches and promote gender equality in coaching and Commonwealth sport.

A Montreal native, Dugrenier was a World Champion in 2008, 2009 and 2010, and World Championship silver medallist in 2005, 2006 and 2007, all at 67 kg.

She finished fifth at both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, wrestling at 63 kg at both events.

“I’m excited to get more experience as a coach. I know how the athletes can feel and I hope I’m able to help the athletes and other coaches,” said Dugrenier. “I think my experience will help athletes with things some of them have never experienced, like being in an athletes’ village, eating at the cafeteria, and handling stress. The little details can be very important too, like scheduling and making sure you have everything you need to be successful.”

Dugrenier will be coaching alongside Olympic teammate Tonya Verbeek, Wrestling Canada Lutte’s International Coach, and Commonwealth Games Team Head Coach.

“It will be cool to coach with Tonya,” said Dugrenier. “We come from different environments and have different styles, and I think the athletes will benefit from that, and learn from our different techniques.”

“I know how the athletes will be feeling going into the Games and hopefully I can help give them the confidence they need to succeed.”

Meet the entire Commonwealth Games Team