Current Brock wrestler Brianna Fraser and recently graduated Brock wrestler Garette Saunders are coming off their first appearances at a Senior World Championships.
This year's edition of the tournament took place in Zagreb, Croatia from Sept. 13-21.
Fraser fell in her quarterfinal by points 6-0 in the 72-kilogram division against Mongolia's Davaanasan Enkh Amar, a 2023 Senior World Championship 72-kilogram silver medallist.
"I am so grateful for my first experience at the Senior World Championships," Fraser said. "It gave me a starting point at this level to build off of going forward."
To get to this world event, Fraser won the 72-kg event at the 2025 Canadian Wrestling Senior Championships, earning two victories by fall, including the championship match over Edmonton Wrestling Club's Vianne Rouleau at 1:43.
On the men's side, Saunders dropped a qualification match by technical fall 11-0 to Bekzat Almaz Uulu of Kyrgyzstan.
"Competing at the World Championships is more than just an achievement; it's the result of years of dedication, early mornings and pushing past limits," Saunders said. "Representing my country on the global stage is a privilege I don't take lightly. I'm proud to carry the spirit of my team, my coaches and everyone who's supported me along the way."
Saunders placed second in the 57-kg event at the 2025 Canadian Wrestling Senior Championships, falling to Treye Trotman by decision 6-3 in a close match in what would be the de-facto final. Trotman was unable to compete at this tournament due to injury, which allowed Saunders to take the spot to represent Canada.
Garette Saunders grappling with Bekzat Almaz Uulu of Kyrgyzstan at the 2025 Senior World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia. (Photo by Bill Bain)
Fraser and the rest of the Brock Badgers wrestling program will get started on Nov. 2 with events in Burnaby, B.C., and Hamilton, Ont., as they look to defend their Ontario University Athletics titles.
