THOROLD, ON— The Canada Summer Games wrestling competition wrapped up on Aug. 11, from Canada Games Park, with the individual competition. In total, there were 21 gold medals up for grabs (11 male and 10 female).

One of the special moments in the medal round came in the men’s 52kg weight class. Eekeeluak Clarence Avalak, from Nunavut, won the gold medal. It was the first gold medal for the territory and only it’s second ever Canada Games medal. “This medal is not just for me; it is for all of Nunavut. It is an opportunity for all of us to stand up and be proud,” exclaimed an emotional Avalak after the match.

Another notable medalist on the men’s side came from Cruz Lewis of Ontario. Lewis captured gold in the 60kg weight class. Lewis was also the gold medalist earlier this year at the Canadian Wrestling Championships, also at 60kg, and was named that tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.

On the women’s side, a gold medal was won by Ontario’s Serena Di Benedetto. Di Benedetto captured gold in the 52kg weight class. It was another impressive accomplishment for Di Benedetto who also won gold at the Canadian Wrestling Trials in the Junior 50kg weight class and a bronze at the Junior Pan-American Championships. Di Benedetto will now look to continue the momentum as she competes next week at the Junior World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Also winning gold on the women’s side was Rupinder Johal. Johal, from British Columbia, earned gold in the 79kg weight class. Johal has had a tremendous year including capturing gold at the Canadian Wrestling Trials and Cadet Pan-American Championships. Now, she can add a Canada Games gold medal to her collection.

Wrestling Medalists

Men’s Medalists

Women’s Medalists

For complete individual and team results visit the tournament site