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Surrey wrestler wins silver at Pan Ams, aiming for gold at worlds

Owen Martin set to compete with Wrestling Canada Lutte in Albania

A Surrey wrestler has his sights set on international gold.

Owen Martin, who turned 22 in September, competes with Wrestling Canada Lutte in the 79-kilogram division. With four national titles to his name, Martin, who came in third place at senior nationals earlier this year, is no stranger to winning.

The Queen Elizabeth alum also won the silver medal at the inaugural U23 Pan American Wrestling Championships in Colombia just a few months ago and now, he's preparing to leave for Tirana, Albania on Oct. 21, where he'll compete in the U23 World Championships.

Martin beat his Mexican opponent in his first match at that tournament, then also defeated wrestlers from Colombia and Puerto Rico, before he lost to an American opponent in the final. 

"Obviously I wanted to get the gold, but it was still a pretty big achievement for me, so I'm happy with that," he said. 

Even a silver-medal win doesn't mean Martin takes any time off, however.

The wrestler, who trains with Burnaby Mountain Wrestling Club, said he trains twice a day, six days a week.

"Nothing changes – you've got to go as hard as you can, all the way through," he said.

"You work to improve, to get one per cent better, every day."

He's excited for the upcoming competition, where he'll compete on Sunday, Oct. 27, but he won't know who he'll face first until likely, the day before. 

"I'm going to (aim) for the best at the world championships and leave everything I have on the mat," Martin said.

"I'm hoping for the gold medal. Nothing less."

He also thanked his family and coaches for all of their support. 



Tricia Weel

About the Author: Tricia Weel

I’m a lifelong writer and storyteller, and have worked at community newspapers and magazines throughout the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
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