Surrey teens Uday Billen and Natalie Wojciechowski will represent Canada at the U17 World Wrestling Championships in Athens from July 28 to August 3.
Local Talent Selected for Global Wrestling Championship
Two young athletes from Surrey, B.C., are stepping into the international spotlight as they join Team Canada for the U17 World Wrestling Championships, scheduled for July 28 to August 3 in Athens, Greece. Wrestling Canada Lutte officially announced that 15-year-old Uday Billen and 17-year-old Natalie Wojciechowski have been selected to represent the nation on one of wrestling’s biggest youth stages.
Global Tournament Set in Historic Athens
The championship will be held in the Greek capital, drawing elite youth wrestlers from around the world. Hosted by United World Wrestling, the week-long event is regarded as a proving ground for the sport’s emerging talent. The 12-member Canadian squad, including Billen and Wojciechowski, will compete in various weight classes with the hope of clinching podium finishes.
Proven Performance on the Road to Athens
Both Billen and Wojciechowski earned their spots on the national team following strong performances at the Canadian nationals in Edmonton earlier this year. Billen, competing in the 110-kg division, captured silver at the U17 Pan-American Championships in Brazil this June—an impressive feat that cemented his selection. Wojciechowski, wrestling in the 61-kg class, also demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency, earning her place among Canada’s elite youth grapplers.
Canada’s Confidence in Its Rising Stars
Wrestling Canada Lutte’s High Performance Director, Chris Woodcroft, expressed confidence in the team’s readiness. “We’re incredibly proud of the talented group of young athletes representing Canada,” Woodcroft stated in an official release. “This is an exciting opportunity for them to test themselves against the best in the world and continue their growth on the international stage.”
National Support Teams Join the Effort
The athletes won’t be alone in Athens. A team of experienced coaches and support staff will accompany the wrestlers to ensure they are physically and mentally prepared. This holistic approach is designed to give Team Canada the best possible chance at success.
How to Follow the Action
Fans and supporters can catch the live action on UWW+, the official streaming platform of United World Wrestling. Full schedules, athlete rosters, and results will be available on the official tournament page: uww.org/event/u17-world-championships-0/athletes
Surrey will be watching closely as Billen and Wojciechowski hit the mats in Athens, representing their city—and their country—with pride.
This article is original and written specifically for SurreySpeak.com
