A Canadian Olympic medalist and world champion in women's freestyle wrestling, known for her dominance in the 63 kg and 69 kg weight classes.
Martine Dugrenier, a Canadian retired wrestler, is renowned for her unrelenting dominance on the mat, securing three world championships in 2008, 2009, and 2010, as well as two Olympic appearances, finishing in 5th place both times.
Born on June 12, 1979, in Laval, Quebec, Martine grew up in the Saint-François neighborhood, where she initially pursued artistic gymnastics, hoping to secure a scholarship to an American university. However, a knee injury forced her to reassess her path, and she attended Vanier College, where she was introduced to wrestling as a physical education class.
Initially hesitant, Martine eventually made the switch to wrestling two years later, under the guidance of her coach. After graduating from Vanier College in 1999, she attended Concordia University, where she competed for the Concordia Stingers wrestling team, earning impressive results, including a third-place finish in her first year and fifth place in her second year.
Martine's exceptional skills on the mat earned her the title of Concordia's Female Athlete of the Year every year from 2002 to 2004. In her senior season, she won three gold medals, undefeated and unyielding, solidifying her reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the wrestling world.
After graduating from Concordia with a BSc in Athletic Therapy and a Graduate Diploma in Sports Administration, Martine went on to become an eight-time Canadian National Champion, winning her last title in 2011. Her impressive career is marked by three consecutive silver medals in the 67-kilogram weight class at the World Wrestling Championships from 2005 to 2007.
Martine's Olympic debut came in 2008, where she finished 5th overall in the 63 kg freestyle event, winning her first match against Marianna Sastin of Hungary and her quarterfinal match against Xu Haiyan of China. She repeated this feat in her second Olympic appearance.
In 2019, Martine was inducted into the Concordia University Sports Hall of Fame as an athlete, a testament to her indelible mark on the world of wrestling. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of wrestlers, and her name remains synonymous with excellence and perseverance.
Martine Dugrenier's remarkable career serves as a shining example of dedication, hard work, and an unyielding passion for the sport. Her achievements continue to inspire and motivate, cementing her place as one of the greatest wrestlers in Canadian history.
42 Years Old
A dominant force in women's wrestling, winning four Olympic gold medals and ten World Championships, with an unprecedented undefeated streak at the Olympics and World Championships.
