A strong showing
Young Island athlete returns home with bronze from national championships
STRATFORD, P.E.I. – Keely Macgrath’s goal is to make wrestling a part of her future, and the Fort Augustus resident took a big step in that direction taking home a bronze medal from the 2024 Canadian wrestling championships recently in Mississauga, Ont.
Macgrath, who competed in the U17 division in the 61-kilogram weight class, was one of 11 Island athletes who made the trip to the nationals and saw hundreds of competitors from across Canada vie for a shot at the podium in their respective divisions.
The 14-year-old grappler finished with a record of 5-1, with her only loss coming during a hard-fought contest with a two-time national champion in the U15 and U17 divisions – B.C.’S Natalie Wojciechowski, who finished with the silver at this year’s event.
Macgrath said the finish on the podium was nice, but there is always opportunity to improve.
“Very happy with how I wrestled. Finished 5-1 with a bronze medal and lots of positives, however, always learning from my mistakes,” she said.
The multi-sport athlete is no stranger to success on the national stage as she captured a silver medal last May at the 2023 open national judo championships in Montreal. Macgrath started getting involved with judo and wrestling at a young age, and both sports have been a big part of her life while growing up.
It’s hard to pick which one she enjoys more, and both disciplines play very well off one another, said Macgrath.
“They are both grappling sports, however, judo is far less forgiving as, if you make a mistake, it’s over, while in wrestling, it’s more of a grind and war of attrition. I like them both equally.”
COACH
Macgrath is coached by her father and former MMA fighter, Matt Macgrath, who made the trip to be in her corner as she competed in the event. Matt, who is battling cancer, said he wouldn’t miss this moment for the world and offered a short, but direct, response to how seeing his daughter succeed made him feel.
“Proud and emotional,” he said.
Wrestling has enjoyed some success on P.E.I. as a few Island athletes have made a name for themselves in the sport in recent years. Summerside’s Hannah Taylor has won multiple tournaments and awards and, just recently, qualified for the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Oyster Bed Bridge’s Vanessa Keefe has also won multiple awards, including gold at the 2022 Canada Summer Games in Niagara, Ont.
P.E.I. PRIDE
Matt said many factors go into the success P.E.I. has enjoyed in the sport, but one of the main reasons is the sense of community the athletes have and how they support one another across the Island.
“You will not be successful unless we all work together,” he said. “The largest part, however, in my opinion, is that the world-class wrestlers come back here often to give back to the youngsters.
“Veronica Keefe gives her experience and techniques. Her husband, Jordie, is an Olympian and has taught his techniques. Hannah Taylor, Ligrit (Sadiku) and Vanessa (Keefe) always come back home and take time to share their expertise. It goes a long way for the newbies.”
To further illustrate that point, Keefe sent a congratulatory text to Macgrath when she captured the bronze.
“(It) meant a lot as she is someone I look up to,” said Macgrath.
She said along with having other wrestlers in the community to support and encourage her, her father has always been there to help her to be her best.
“I started grappling when I was four years old and couldn’t imagine anyone else being in my corner,” said Macgrath.
LOOKING AHEAD
“Very happy with how I wrestled. Finished 5-1 with a bronze medal and lots of positives, however, always learning from my mistakes.”
Keely Mcgrath
It will be back to the mats almost immediately as Macgrath aspires to continue to win medals and improve on her performance in next year’s national tournament with an eye on wrestling at the university level in the future.
Matt said the team from P.E.I. did very well as this was everyone’s first national wrestling tournament. Nine of the 11 wrestlers posted at least a win. Although Macgrath was the only one who landed on the podium, there were some fifth-place finishes and everyone put forth a good effort.
“(I) couldn’t be prouder of them all, and now everyone knows where they stand in the nation,” said Matt. “Credit to all their coaches for sure.”