Justina Di Stasio: A Journey of Resilience and Cultural Pride

August 12, 2024

Justina Di Stasio, a 31-year-old wrestler from Coquitlam, B.C., has faced a challenging path to the Olympics marked by perseverance and personal growth. Despite setbacks, including missing Olympic berths in 2016 and 2020, Di Stasio's dedication to wrestling and her educational pursuits define her career. She even took a sabbatical during the pandemic to pursue teaching, highlighting her commitment to learning and mental health advocacy.

Di Stasio's love for wrestling began in grade six, sparked by curiosity rather than immediate passion. Her high school coach and supportive family helped her grow in the sport. Her approach to wrestling was shaped by the lack of pressure from her family, allowing her to improve at her own pace. Additionally, she has recently reconnected with her Cree identity, and now works as an Indigenous educator.

After a long wait, Di Stasio secured her spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics by triumphing at the Pan Am qualifiers. Unfortunately, her Olympic journey was brief; she lost her first-round match in the women's 76kg category to Turkey's Yasemin Adar Yigit. Despite the defeat, which included a brief pause due to an eye injury and discomfort in her ankle, Di Stasio expressed pride in her effort, stating, "I could not have prepared any better."

Di Stasio, a world champion in the 72kg category in 2018, remains an inspiring figure. Her journey reflects a blend of dedication, resilience, and cultural pride, with a continued commitment to inspiring others, especially Indigenous youth, through her achievements and representation in the sport.

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