Saint Laurent wrestler going for gold at Canada Summer Games

Anaka Chartrand has wrestled her way to the Canada Summer Games.

The 15-year-old from Saint Laurent is set to compete in the 60-kilogram class for wrestling at the event that has just begun in Niagara, Ontario. Chartrand says she's very excited about the opportunity to represent her province.

"I'm most looking forward to the competition and being able to test myself against some of the best wrestlers in the country."

Chartrand has competed in one country-wide event already this year, where she won the gold medal in the U17 61-kilogram division. 

This event took place just two months ago, and the 15-year-old believes this was great preparation for the Canada Summer Games. The one major difference this time around is Chartrand could face girls that are up to four years older than her.

Chartrand putting her opponent in a headlock.

The Saint Laurent product says she initially got into the sport to improve in a martial art.

"I've been wrestling for five years," Chartrand explains. "I started wrestling to help improve my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and ended up falling in love with the sport. I've been wrestling ever since."

She says the sport of wrestling has been a great teacher for her in several different ways.

"Wrestling has taught me many things but the number one thing I would say is hard work," Chartrand continues. "Wrestling is a sport that is mentally demanding, where two people are imposing their will on each other. You have to be willing to put in the work if you want to achieve good results just like anything else in life."

Chartrand is set to begin her journey at the Canada Summer Games on Tuesday, August 9.