Wrestling Canada will continue its pioneering role in women's Olympic wrestling when it holds the first official Olympic women's qualifying tournament for 2008 Beijing hopefuls.
Women from more than 50 countries are expected for the May 16-17, 2008 event at Millennium Place in Sherwood Park, Alt., site of the 2004 Canadian Olympic wrestling trials.
"The depth of the field in women's international wrestling has increased dramatically since the 2004 Olympic Games and hosting this event is one of the most important elements in our plan to maintain a top three position in Beijing for our women's team," said national women's coach, Leigh Vierling said.
Six-time women's world champion, Christine Nordhagen, now an assistant coach at the University of Calgary and an apprentice coach in the national team program said that getting the qualifying tournament "is a sign of the respect our program has gained internationally."
