McMaster wrestler pins gold

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/wilson.JPG” caption=”Pam Wilson”]Pam Wilson has a golden pin in the ring.

The McMaster wrestler and second-year kinesiology student claimed gold in the 72-kg event at the fifth World University Wrestling Championship at the University of Alberta, pinning American Samantha Branka.

She also won the bronze medal in the 72-kg event at the Canada Cup last weekend defeating Alma Izquierda of Mexico.

The judo artist-turned-wrestler was drawn to the sport when she arrived at McMaster in 2000. Wilson, who competed in judo for 14 years prior to joining the McMaster's women's wrestling team (led by coach Nick Cipriano), won the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) gold medal in her first year of wrestling.

Wilson is also a star in the classroom. She received the 2001 Dr. Mel Hawkrigg Scholarship, awarded to a kinesiology student who has demonstrated outstanding academic, community and athletic achievement. She was also a 2000-01 Marauder Scholar and a finalist for the 2002 McMaster Female Athlete of the Year Award.

Wilson qualified for the World University Championship by placing first in her weight class at the University Trials held in Alberta in January. She concluded her winter season by capturing the silver medal at the CIS Wrestling Championships. In between, she won the Ontario University Athletics gold medal in the 76-kg weight class.

Wilson also captured the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association Senior Women's National Championship gold medal this past spring in the 72-kg event and was named Wrestler of the Meet.

This fall she will compete at the World Championships.