Shields wins double gold at nationals

By Lethbridge Herald on April 9, 2024.

Bill Bain Photography Payton Shields wrestles down an opponent at nationals.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

 Lethbridge Amateur Wrestling Association’s Payton Shields finally made the top of the podium this past weekend in Mississauga in her third trip to the National Wrestling Championships

Shields captured gold  in both the freestyle and Greco Roman styles after going undefeated in the Women’s 57 kg , U19 categories.

“I’d say always pressuring ,and always trying to work for my positions and I was always focused on what I was doing,” said Shields, when asked about her strength.

Shields feels she can learn from each match.

“So I just want to keep on improving, and keep on working hard and continue on.”

Other southern Alberta wrestlers that went and placed were Sydney Shields  with a bronze in the Freestyle, U17, 80kg category  and silver in Greco Roman Styles , Reese Ferguson won a silver in the silver in U19, 53kg Greco Roman and Amelia Prenevost placed fifth in the in U17, 53kg Greco Roman  “We’re so proud of all the athletes that competed this weekend, said Pat Selk,  director of Wrestling Operations for LAWA.

 “All of our kids showed the country that Lethbridge is a hot spot for our sport that is more than capable of producing national caliber wrestlers. It goes without saying that we are super proud of Payton Shields and the work she put in to accomplish her goal of a national title. We look forward to watching her career after High School as she joins the Pronghorns at the University of Lethbridge next season.”