Ravens Wrestler Emonds Claims Pan-American Silver

Carleton Ravens wrestler Heaven-Lee Emond earned a silver medal at the 2026 U23 Pan-American Wrestling championships in Lima, Peru, over the weekend.

The geography major opened the tournament with a win over Romina Garro Villanera before facing American Nina Kemu Makem in round 2. Emond would lose a close 2-0 match and head into the semifinals at 1-1. In the semifinals, Emond picked up her most convincing win of the event with a 9-4 victory over Jeimy Delgado Sondoval of Ecuador. Setting up a rematch with Kemu Makem. 

Though the final went similarly to their round-robin encounter, Emond became the first Ravens wrestler ever to collect an international competition medal. Emond captured one of five Canadian medals at the championship, including three women's medals. 

Just four years into her competitive wrestling journey, Emond is making massive strides on the international level. "I had so much fun at this tournament," she shared. "It was the best I've ever felt competing. I felt calm and relaxed the whole time, which I've always had difficulty doing at tournaments. So it's definitely a little ironic that the biggest one I've competed at is where I was able to lock in at."

Over the past year, Emond has caught the eye of Wrestling Canada as she continues to evolve as one of the bright young stars in Canadian wrestling. To perform at her best in Peru, Emond did it without her coaches and teammates, whom she's become so accustomed to having by her side will only help strengthen Emond's resolve as she prepares for the U23 Nationals at the end of the month.

"I definitely came home with a really clear direction of the things I want to work on moving forward," she explained. "I knew some of the other athletes on Team Canada, but it was still a different experience not having the people I'm used to having in my corner." Despite being on her own and feeling nervous as the travel began, Emond found peace is being on her own at the event. "Something definitely changed once I landed in Peru. I was just so excited to wrestle. I went into the competition trying not to hold myself to any expectations, and I think that mindset really helped me enjoy the experience and perform at my best. I ended up coming away with a result I'm really proud of."

After a busy training and competition schedule, the U23 Nationals mark the end of the competition season, though Emond hopes a strong showing, combined with her results in Peru, will only further open the door for her.

"I'm excited for every opportunity to compete at bigger tournaments and can't wait to continue showing how much I've improved," she said. Continuing: "I'm also looking forward to hopefully having more opportunities to represent Canada in the future."