CIS athletes road to the Olympics: Five-time CIS wrestling gold medalist Ali Bernard named to U.S. Olympic team

Source: Alberta Sports Info

EDMONTON - Five-time Canadian Interuniversity Sport wrestling gold medalist and current University of Alberta Pandas wrestling assistant coach Ali Bernard, who hails from New Ulm, Minn., has been named by USA Wrestling as its nominee for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team in women’s freestyle wrestling at 72 kg/158.5 lbs.
 
A graduate of the University of Alberta (Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation), Bernard won five CIS gold medals competing for the University of Regina and the University of Alberta (2009-10). After her time as a competitor, she chose to remain with the Pandas’ wrestling team to complete her education and serve as an assistant coach. She helped lead the U of A’s women’s wrestling program to their first ever CIS team title (2010-11) and their first ever Canada West team title (2011-12).
 
The 26-year old Bernard, placed fifth at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. She placed third in the 2011 World Championships and also competed in the 2009 World Championships. She was a two-time Junior World champion (2003 and 2005) and won a 2012 University World Championships gold medal.
 
It was Bernard who qualified the United States to compete at the 2012 Olympic Games at the 72 kg/158.5 lbs class when she won the World bronze medal at her weight class in the 2011 World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey.
 
The 72 kg/158.5 lbs. weight class in women’s wrestling will be contested on Thursday, August 9 at the ExCel Center in London, England.
 
Bernard began her career at the University of Regina, where she was named CIS rookie of the year in 2005, before transferring to the Pandas for the 2009-10 season. While at Regina, she was crowned CIS champion at 80 kg as a freshman, at 72 kg in 2006 and 2007, and at 82 kg in 2008.