Viola Yanik made her first world championship appearance a memorable one last year earning a bronze medal in the women's 63 kilos class to qualify a quota spot for Canada at the Olympics. In her final match, Yanik built a 6-0 lead against Lydumila Golovchenko of Ukraine then pinned her at the 2:44 mark to seal the match. Yanik executed two ankle picks and a fireman's throw en route to her victory. There were 27 competitors in the division.
Yanik said her experience at the world championships, which were held in New York, was unforgettable.
“Standing on a mat in Madison Square Garden with thousands of spectators was really overwhelming. It was a fantastic experience and a chance of a lifetime."
Yanik started wrestling at Holy Cross High School in 1997 and has been a member of the Saskatoon Wrestling Club for past seven years. She was married in 2000 and since 2003 works as a special constable with the Saskatoon Police Service.
