Press release courtesy of Boxing Canada.
Pueblo, CO November 2, 2024 – Canada is celebrating an impressive performance at the 2024 World U19 Boxing Championships, bringing home two bronze medals and delivering the nation’s best finish at the event since Charlie Cavanagh’s gold in 2018. The championships, showcasing the world’s rising boxing talents, saw Canada’s youth athletes excel on the global stage.
Bronze Medalists and Strong Performances Across the Board
Zoe Courchesne (48kg, QC, Crew Boxe+Fitness) and Jarelyn Castillo (75kg, ON, Border City Boxing Club) both clinched bronze medals for Canada. They showcased exceptional skill and tenacity in their respective categories, achieving remarkable podium finishes.
Several other Canadian athletes delivered strong performances, each advancing to the quarterfinals:
- Jade Delgado (51kg, ON, Beaver Boxing Club)
- Victoria Vergos (54kg, ON, Oakville Boxing Academy)
- Randy Polines (50kg, AB, Olympia Boxing Club Chestermere)
- Julian Agelakis (55kg, BC, Rain City Boxing Club)
The dedication and hard work of these athletes, along with their coaches, contributed to Canada’s successful showing.
National Team Coach Samir El Mais reflected on the team’s achievements, saying, “Each of our athletes boxed at the top of their game. If you are going to peak, peak at the world championships.”
High Performance Director Kraig Devlin praised the team’s resilience and determination, especially following challenges posed by the pandemic. “The quality of the boxing we saw at the U19s was very high. The entire coaching staff was pleased that our U19 athletes – the cohort who were most affected by the pandemic – have proven capable of boxing at the world level. Canada should feel optimistic for the future.”
Not Just Boxers!
Three Canadian officials, Wade Peterson (AB), Jennifer Huggins (ON), and Ed Blanchard (NB), represented Canada with distinction, adding valuable expertise to the international event. Selection to work at international competitions is fierce and Canada is proud to have such a strong pool of dedicated referees and judges.
Next Steps: Transitioning to the Elite Level
As the Youth team returns home, many of the team are preparing to compete in the Hennessey Holdings 2024 Elite and U23 National Boxing Championships at the end of November. With some team members turning 18, they will have the opportunity to “compete up” in the U23 category, marking an important transition toward the Elite level as they aim for greater heights in 2025.
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For media inquiries regarding the Canadian National Team please contact Christopher Lindsay at [email protected]
About Boxing Canada: Boxing Canada is the national sport organization for the sport of Olympic Boxing in Canada. It provides leadership for national programming, teams, and policies in partnership with each province and territory’s sport organization. Thanks to the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, Sting Canada, and all our national partners for their support. For more information on Boxing Canada, please visit BoxingCanada.org.
