Two Cochrane Cowboys alumni are bringing home international hardware after impressive performances at the 2025 U20 Pan-American Wrestling Championships in Lima, Peru.
Annika Fines, competing in the women’s 50kg division, struck gold for Canada during the women’s competition on July 11. It was a standout showing for the young wrestler, who powered her way into the final match, continuing her climb on the international circuit.
Fines won her quarterfinal 11-1 over Carina Giangeruso of Puerto Rico, then took her semifinal by the same score over Leonela Gruezo of Ecuador. She matched up with American Lilly Luft in the final and came away with a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
“I am really excited about the win. I think I wrestled a great finals match. I was very strategic, so overall I am just very pleased with my performance today,” said Fines after the win.
Canada had entries in all 10 weight classes in the women’s competition and came away with a medal in each—two gold, four silver, and four bronze.
The following day, Nick Hooper stepped onto the mat for the men’s freestyle event and captured bronze in the 74kg division. Hooper helped lead Canada’s men’s team to a strong showing overall, with the squad finishing second in team standings after collecting eight medals—one gold, three silver, and four bronze.
Canada’s top performer was dual citizen Kade Brown of Brunswick, Ohio, who now trains out of Coast RTC. Brown dominated the 70kg bracket, securing gold with two 11-0 technical falls, including a win over Mexico’s Jazziel Balam in the final.
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It’s been a golden year for both Hooper and Fines, who wrestle with the University of Calgary Dinos. They each won gold at the Canadian championships in May and are the reigning U Sports and Canada West champions in university competition.