Christine Nordhagen
Wrestling Athlete - Inducted 2010
Christine Nordhagen came from a small farming community in Northern Alberta called Valhalla Centre. She is known as the Canadian pioneer of women’s wrestling. Christine did not discover competitive wrestling until the age of 20 while studying for her education degree at the University of Alberta. She competed in the 68 kg, 72 kg and 75 kg weight classes.
In 1992, women’s wrestling was included at the Canadian Championships. Christine took the competition by storm and never looked back. For 12 years she was a dominating force in the world of women’s wrestling. Christine won 10 Canadian Championships and was World Champion in 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2001. In 2001, the announcement came that women’s wrestling would be an event at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympic Games. Christine qualified for a spot on the Olympic team and placed fifth at the Games.
Christine Nordhagen received many honours during her career. In 1997, the wrestling world governing body named her as the Top International Female. She was the first woman to be inducted into the International Wrestling Federation Hall of Fame and the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association Hall of Fame. She was also honoured with a “Breakthrough Award” by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport.
Christine Nordhagen is an incredible ambassador for the sport of wrestling and was instrumental in the international growth of women’s wrestling.
After Induction
2005 - Alberta Centennial Salute Award for Sport and Recreation - one of 100 to receive the award.
