Erica Wiebe remains in Olympic hunt with victory at Canadian wrestling trials

Reigning Olympic women's wrestling champion Erica Wiebe is closing in on securing a spot in the 2020 Games.

On Saturday, the native of Stittsville Ont., won two-straight bouts, by a combined score of 7-2, against Justina Di Stasio of Coquitlam, B.C., in the women's 76 kg final at the Canadian trials in Niagara Falls, Ont. 

While the victory over Di Stasio has put Wiebe back in the Olympic hunt, giving her the right to represent Canada in March at the Pan Am Olympic qualifying tournament that's being held in Ottawa, there are no guarantees. It's a lesson that Wiebe learned all too well this September. 

Wiebe, 30, had hoped to secure an Olympic berth for Canada at the world wrestling championships. But a stunning, quarter-final defeat left Wiebe in her current win-or-die predicament. 

WATCH | Erica Wiebe keeps Olympic wrestling hopes alive:

Canadian Erica Wiebe keeps Tokyo dreams alive at Canadian wrestling trials

5 years ago

Duration 7:46

Erica Wiebe beat Justina Di Stasio in the 76kg finals to book a spot in the Pan American Olympic qualification tournament in March. That meet represents the final chance to qualify for Tokyo 2020.

Still, Wiebe is looking forward to the challenge. 

"It's going to be different; I've never wrestled in my hometown. A lot is on the line, so honestly I'm going to do what I do every single day—get that one per cent better."

Only the top two finishers at the event in Ottawa will be nominated to Team Canada at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The other women who will represent Canada at the Pan-Am Olympic Qualification tournament in Ottawa include Michelle Fazarri (Hamilton, Ont.), Jessica MacDonald (Windsor, Ont.), Danielle Lappage (Olds, Alta.), Linda Morais (Tecumseh, Ont.) and Samantha Stewart (London, Ont.).