BUCHAREST, Romania – Alexandria Town won Canada’s first ever gold medal at a U23 World Championships.

Town, of Scarborough, Ont., became world champion at 57 kg, winning all four of her matches decisively.

“I was putting in the all the work to get here,” said Town. “It means a lot to get this victory, for me, for Canada, for my hometown, and for my club.”

Town, who wrestles and coaches with the York Lions, defeated Japan’s Akie Hanai in the gold medal bout 7-4. She took a strong 6-0 lead early in the match by scoring on a takedown and two gut-wrenches.

In the semifinals, Town had to get through 2014 Senior World Champion and 2015 silver medallist Tserenchimed Sukhee of Mongolia. Town dominated the match 15-3.

“This win reaffirms everything I knew on the inside. My coach always tells me I can beat anybody, and now I really believe it.”

The gold medal caps off a memorable year for Town. The 23-year-old burst onto the international scene with a bronze medal at the Pan American Championships in May, a silver at the World University Championships in September, and a twelfth-place finish at the Senior World Championships in October.

“It’s crazy, just a few days ago was a year since I first wrestled outside of Canada. For it to end here is amazing, what a journey.”