NIKKIE BRAR
Age: 17 Hometown: Abbotsford, B.C.
Sport: Wrestling
Team: Miri Piri Wrestling Club
When did you get involved in wrestling? My friends insisted that I join the wrestling team in Grade 8. However, I didn’t start wrestling competitively until Grade 9. As I became more interested in the sport I started to improve. I wrestled all through high school and have grown to love the sport.
Most memorable moments: My most memorable moments include wrestling a national champion in Grade 10 at Provincials. I had heard how good she was and I was intimidated. We ended up having a close match, though, and I almost beat her. In Grade 11, I had an opponent I kept losing to, but I trained hard and at Provincials I finally defeated her, taking home the gold. At Provincials again this year I had to wrestle a former provincial champion, I was nervous for the match and had been working hard. It paid off in the end, and I was able to win the match. Being told that I was the first Indo-Canadian female to accomplish these achievements is also something I will never forget.
Sporting career highlights: Placing third at Provincials in the 51-kilogram division in Grade 10. Placing fourth at Nationals in the 46-kg division in Grade 10. Getting gold at Provincials in the 47-kg division in Grade 11. Winning Provincials again this year in the 51-kg division in Grade 12. Getting the most outstanding female wrestler award at Provincials this year. Placing second in the Juvenile Nationals this year in the 51-kg division at SFU.
What do you love most about your sport?
It keeps me fit and healthy because it works all your muscles and tests endurance. I enjoy wrestling with others because it is good competition, and it’s a healthy form of releasing energy. There are also always new things to learn.
How do you balance your school life with your sports life? I do my homework before and after practice. This keeps me disciplined to get my work done on time because I know that I will not have time if I leave it to the last minute. Ever since I started wrestling I have noticed that my grades have gotten better. The exercise is good for my body and gives my brain time to relax.
How has this sport influenced your life in other ways? I stay healthy, strong and exercise more. I have met many different people through wrestling and have formed new friendships. I am confident about myself and have endurance and determination. I am disciplined and know how to work hard to reach my goals in life.
Who’s your support team outside of the game? My friends, family and coaches are an important part of my life. My family has always been there for me and supported me in wrestling. They never hesitated in letting me go to tournaments and wrestling camps, and encouraged me to continue on with the sport. My friends are always there on the side of the mat, cheering me on. It’s nice to hear their voices yelling my name, and it gives me more confidence when I wrestle. I’ve had a lot of amazing coaches in the years I have been wrestling, and they have each been extremely helpful. This year my coaches Sucha Mann and Jim Mitchell trained me and prepared me for the challenges and important tournaments. They pushed me to train harder and reach new levels, were supportive and believed in me.
Advice for aspiring athletes: Sometimes you are faced with opposition that you think you cannot beat, but never lose hope. Having the right attitude affects how you perform, and a well-deserved victory is sweet. Never stop trying because losing a well fought game is still something to be proud of.
Career goals: My athletic goals include wrestling at Junior Nationals next year and placing in the top three. I would like to get a scholarship for wrestling to a university as well. Academically, I want to get my bachelors in science. After my bachelors I will hopefully have more of an idea of what I want to pursue, but right now I am thinking about going into medical school and becoming a physician.
