FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Canadian Men’s Wrestling Team Finishes Off With 2 More Top 10 Finishes At the 2012 London Olympics

Vancouver, BC (August 12th, 2012) – On the final day of the 2012 London Olympics, the last two Canadian wrestlers finished in the Top 10 of their weight classes at the 2012 London Olympics.  Haislan Garcia (66 kg) of Coquitlam, BC placed in 7th position which is a significant improvement from his 16th place finish at the 2008 Beijing.  Also, Khetag Pliev (96 kg) of Toronto, who made his first Olympic appearance in these Games, wrestled hard and finished in 10th place.  

Garcia won his first match by forfeit over Tunisian wrestler Haitem Alayech who was a no show.  He was able to easily pass Yusupov (TJK) 2-0, 0-2, 2-0 in the 1/8 qualifiers to advance to the quarter finals.  In the quarter finals, Garcia hit a roadblock and was unable to get past 2011 World Silver Medalist Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu of Japan.  Moving to the repechage match Garcia lost a very tight match to eventual bronze medalist Livan Lopez Azcuy of Cuba. 

Pliev was also in a similar predicament as Garcia.  Khetag defeated a very tough Javier Cortina Lacerra (Cuba) 0-2, 3-2, 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals where he was deafeated by Jake Varner (USA).  Pliev qualified to wrestle in the repechage match as well against Kurban Kurbanov (UZB) falling short in his efforts to proceed to the bronze medal match.  

On behalf of BC Wrestling, our Board, members and staff, we congratulate all of the Canadian wrestlers for their years of sacrifice and dedication for the chance to compete on the world's greatest stage.  You have made us very proud.

For the latest news about the BC Wrestlers at the 2012 London Olympic Games or to view the full results, please visit our website, www.bcwrestling.com.  You can also follow all the action live on Twitter (@wrestlingbc) and Facebook (BC Wrestling).

About BC Wrestling
BC Wrestling is about providing opportunities for participation, challenge and proficiency in wrestling.  This is accomplished through the volunteers and staff who establish the structure, and provide direction and support for affordable programs and services for members including: accident and liability insurance, regular communication updates, access to coaching, camps and clinics for athletes, coaches and officials, and competitive opportunities for all levels.

For More Information Contact:
Penny Gardner
Executive Director
BC Wrestling
p.gardner@bcwrestling.com

Canadian Olympic Wrestling Team at the Opening Ceremonies! 

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