Montreal wrestler set to compete at U23 World Championships

At just the age of 20, Connor Church is one of the top freestyle wrestlers in Canada. He is the 2023 Senior Canadian champion in the 79-kilogram weight class. At the Y Reinitz Wresting Club and National Training Centre in Montreal, Church now has his eyes set on the Under 23 World Championships in Albania.

“I’m feeling excited. Obviously a little bit nervous, but I think it’s a great opportunity and I’m excited to show what I can do,” said Church.

“I think it’s a really good experience. I’ll get to see the best in the world again. I think it will help me improve as a wrestler throughout my entire career to get this experience in.”

Connor Church, wrestler competing at Under 23 World Championships. (Photo Credit: Gareth Madoc-Jones, CityNews)

The U-23 World Championships will take place from October 23rd to 29th in Tirana, Albania’s capital city. The international tournament represents a major step up in competition.

“The quality of wrestlers, it’s just insane. The intensity in the room, it’s not comparable at all. It’s a big, big jump.”

Connor Church, wrestler competing at Under 23 World Championships. (Photo Credit: Gareth Madoc-Jones, CityNews)

Church has also been named the country’s top male Indigenous athlete – winning the 2023 Tom Longboat award. This is the second consecutive year that he has been given this distinction.

“Honestly, it was a big surprise. For the second year in a row. I did not expect that whatsoever. I’m super honored. I’m glad that they are recognizing me for my athletic achievements again, and it’s awesome,” said Church.

Connor with Tom Longboat award 2 (Photo courtesy: Connor Church)

The Tom Longboat award not only recognizes athletic excellence, but also those who demonstrate sportsmanship, fair play and ethics in sport as well as being a positive cultural role model – something that the young Métis wrestler – who grew up in Winnipeg – embraces.

“It’s important because there aren’t many Indigenous role models in Canada or the world in general for young kids to look up to. I didn’t know of any really when I was a kid that I looked up to, it’s always someone else that I know isn’t necessarily like you, you don’t feel that connection with. So I think if I can do that for Indigenous kids, that’s awesome. I am so glad I can be that person for them,” said Church.

In less than two weeks time, Church will be back on the mat to compete on the international stage – ready to show that he can not only learn from, but take on the world’s most elite wrestlers.

Connor Church, wrestler competing at Under 23 World Championships. (Photo Credit: Gareth Madoc-Jones, CityNews)

“I’m going to go out there and do my absolute best and just perform to the best of my abilities and observe and watch and see what the best in the world do to prepare and try to implement that into my own game going forward.”