Originating from Valhalla Centre, a small farming community in Northern Alberta, Christine Nordhagen stands as a trailblazer in Canadian women’s wrestling. Her journey into competitive wrestling began at the age of 20 while pursuing an education degree at the University of Alberta, where she delved into the sport, notably in the 68 kg, 72 kg, and 75 kg weight classes.
In 1992, women’s wrestling was integrated into the Canadian Championships, marking the commencement of Nordhagen’s meteoric rise. Over 12 years, she asserted her dominance, clinching 10 Canadian Championships and achieving World Champion status in 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2001. The pivotal announcement that women’s wrestling would be featured in the 2004 Athens Summer Olympic Games propelled Christine to qualify for the Olympic team, ultimately securing a commendable fifth place at the Games.
Throughout her illustrious career, Christine Nordhagen received numerous accolades. In 1997, she was named the Top International Female by the wrestling world governing body. She made history as the first woman inducted into both the International Wrestling Federation Hall of Fame and the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association Hall of Fame. Additionally, she was honored with a “Breakthrough Award” by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport.
Outside of her athletic accomplishments, Christine continues to lead by example in the sport community and beyond. Christine shares her experiences to future generations through motivational speaking and can still be found lending her talents through coaching local school programs in Calgary, Alberta. She remains an advocate for women’s sport and can be regularly heard as one of the voices of international wrestling on television broadcasts around the world, one of, if not the first, female wrestlers to serve in this role. This alone has influenced athletes transitioning out of active competition into roles that further serve their sport. Finally, Christine’s upbringing in the smallest of communities, with a population of roughly 40, further serves as inspiration for athletes in similar communities across the country, proving that with goals and the drive to accomplish them, there is little that can stand in your way.
Key Highlights:
6-Time World Champion 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000 & 2001
1993 Senior World Silver Medalist
1999 Senior World Bronze Medalist
1997 & 1998 Senior Pan-American Champion
5th Place at the 2004 Olympic Games
10-Time Senior National Champion
Member of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame
Member of the UWW Hall of Fame