Wrestler Danielle Lappage, formerly of Olds, says the silver medal she won during the Poland Open gives her great confidence as she prepares for the 2019 Senior Wrestling World Championships, in Kazakhstan Sept. 14-22.
The world championships will serve as the first world qualifier for the 2020 Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo, "so there is a lot at stake," Lappage wrote in an email to the Albertan.
The Poland tournament was held Aug. 2-4. Lappage was competing in the 68-kilogram class.
Her medal was one of four won by Canadians during the tournament, including gold obtained by Amar Dhesi of Surrey, B.C.
"I beat the opponent I lost to in the finals in Turkey, which was exciting," she wrote. "The difference (this time) was my mental state. I was confident and I was committed to my movements and attacks.
"It again, was disappointing to lose the finals here, but I am confident I will be able to learn from the loss, improve, and be successful next time I face her."
As she trains for the worlds, Lappage says she'll continue improving on her offensive and finishing moves as well as generally building confidence in her abilities.
Lappage is studying law at the University of Calgary and has been wrestling with the university’s Calgary Dinos.
