CAWA web page - Christine Nordhagen wins 6th World Wrestling Championships

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Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association ()
11/24/2001


Christine Nordhagen of Calgary just became the most successful wrestler in women's international wrestling history winning her 8th World Championships medal, and her 6th Gold medal. In the Final of the 2001 World Championship in Sofia, Bulgaria, Christine beat her American opponent, Tocarra Montgomery, 4-1 in the 68 kg. category. Christine scored three single leg takedowns and a gutwrench to secure the victory.    Canadian Carol Huynh of Burnaby won the silver medal in the 46 kg. category. In the Final Carol lost a close 3-0 match to two-time World Champion from the Ukraine, Irina Melnik. The only points in the match were scored from the clinch position which occurred after a 0-0 first period. The Ukrainian wrestler scored off an arm throw at the whistle.     In the Semi-final, Carol Huynh at 46 kg. defeated Farah Touchi of France 6-0 to advance to the Gold medal match. This was Carol's secondworld medal after winning the bronze last year.     Tomorrow, Canadian Lyndsay Belisle, 51 kg., will compete in the Semi-Finals against wrestler Stephanie Murata of the USA. The Finals will take place tomorrow evening.    Coaches Comments:    Head Women's Coach, Todd Hinds:    "We are ecstatic about her (Christine's) perfomance. Winning her sixth championship, she is a true champion. She and the rest of the Canadian Team have been a pleasure to work with."    "Carol also had a great year and has now won two straight World medals. Next year I look forward to seeing her improve and assume the top spot on the medal podium."    Christine had the following comments after her match.    "I was very emotional seeing the Canadian Flag and hearing the anthem. I'm really proud of the Canadian Team and all of my teammates and I am especialy proud of Canada."    Carol had the following comments after winning the Silver medal:    "I am proud of my accomplishments and looking forward to improving further, so that I can return next year in hopes of claiming the top spot."    Igali Knocked Out Of Competition, Sissaouri Still Looking for Gold    On the men's side, 2000 Olympic Champion, Daniel Igali, 69 kg., was eliminated from competition after losing a close match to Cuban wrestler, Yosmany Sanchez, 5-2. Daniel got behind 3-2 with two minutes left in the match and lost the final two in the last  seconds in a scramble to tie the score.     Four time World Medallist for Canada, Guivi Sissouri, 58 kg., had a bye this round after winning his pool last night. He will compete against Ukranian wrestler, Vasil Fedorishin in the Quarter Finals tomorrow morning. Semi-Finals will also take place tomorrow morning with the Finals in the afternoon.    Coaches Comments:  Men's Head Coach Dave McKay had the following comments concerning today's matches.    "Daniel wrestled well in his first match today beating a top Russian opponent. However, was unable to continue the momentum in his match with Sanchez. This year has been a struggle for Daniel due to a series of injuries, but this result should provide him with the impetus to regain the title."    "Guivi Sissaouri is looking sharp and confident and is positioned well for a top performance tomorrow.