Last-seconds score launches wrestlers international career

By Sebastian Bron

Devan Larkin has long dreamed of sporting a Team Canada wrestling singlet, but back in 2014, a torn ACL knee ligament made it seem a bit more like a pipe dream.

It cost the National Capital Wrestling Club athlete a full year on the sidelines, though he says he took the setback in stride and understood that injuries were part of an athlete’s life.

“In rehab I just kept thinking of the first time I’d get to step back out on the mat,” recounts Larkin. “I was working like crazy, kept positive and patient, and tried my best to come back strong.”

He eventually resumed his 5-6-day per week training schedule with NCWC, and stormed back from his injury to handily win his age group/weight class at the 2015 club provincials.

For 2016 and his final season of eligibility, Larkin set his sights higher.

“My goal for this year was to namely make (Team Canada)” highlights the Grade 11 Cairine Wilson Secondary School student, adding that, as an athlete, he’s always looking for a chance to compete at the highest level.

Larkin had a bit of a mediocre start to his season by placing 5th and 3rd respectively at the OFSAA high school and Ontario club provincials – positive finishes, he indicates, but nonetheless motivators to propel himself higher in the future.

Come the FILA cadet national team trials Apr. 16 in Calgary, only the top-2 would do – the winner earning Canada’s Cadet World Championships entry, and the runner-up heading to the July 1-3 Cadet Pan-American Championship in Peru.

Competing in the 69 kg division, Larkin downed an Edmonton challenger and then fell to a Toronto wrestling to setup a match with a B.C. opponent to decide which athlete would get the second spot on Team Canada.

Down by 2 points with 4 seconds left in the match, Larkin caught his rival with a fake double-leg takedown attempt and was able to jump on top to secure a chest wrap and claim the coveted national team position.

“I’ve been waiting for this since the day I started wrestling,” smiles Larkin. “Seeing these guys wear the Canada singlets with their names on the back, I was like, ‘I want one of those.’”