Thompson will get her wish

Tim Switzer
The Leader-Post

August 16, 2005  Four years ago Beth Thompson watched her brother win two wrestling medals at the Canada Summer Games in London and wished that someday she could have the chance to do the same.

This year, for the first time in Games history, she will.

Women's wrestling is making its inaugural appearance at the Games and Thompson and her Saskatchewan teammates are favourites to come away with several medals.

"We definitely have a gold-medal-winning team," the 18-year-old Saskatonian said. "And my individual goal is to just perform as best as I can and I'm hoping that's going to be a gold medal."

Thompson is considered one of the favourites in the 75-kilogram weight class with four national championships already under her belt.

She says getting to showcase women's wrestling for a national audience, though, is something they are all looking forward to.

"We can wrestle just as hard as any of the boys can and I think it's a really great place to have a coming-out for women's wrestling this year just because women's wrestling in Saskatchewan is so strong," she said.

And while there's obviously pressure being at home, she said there's even more pressure since the Saskatchewan team wants to make some history by winning the first women's wrestling medals.

"We know we're the home team, we know everyone's going to look for us to win because we are ranked first but we know how to use that," she added.

Saskatchewan coach Ron Gonzales said he expects Thompson to easily compete for a medal but it comes down to her what colour it will be.

"She just has to remind herself, yes, this is the Canada Summer Games, a once-in-a-lifetime experience but it's another tough day of wrestling, don't change a lot of things that are working and stick with the same game plan. If she does, it'll be a very positive outcome," he said.

Thompson said the Saskatchewan team, seeded first overall, will face its toughest competition if it comes up against B.C., which could happen in the team gold-medal final Wednesday.

She said through her experience with other high-level competitions and watching her brother, Paul, win an individual gold and a team silver in London will help guide her to a successful three days of competition.

"Canada Games can be a bit overwhelming if you've never seen them before but I've been in the Western Canada Games, I've seen the Canada Games before and it is going to be a big crowd and there's going to be all kinds of things that are really exciting but I think I'm going to be ready for it," she said.

© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2005.