If you’re in high school or college sports in Burnaby, you never know if you might be playing or training next to a future Olympian.  

There’s been a handful of Olympians that have come out of the Vancouver region, with the most recognized being Christine Sinclair of soccer fame. 

But what about the other ones? What does it take to rise through the ranks from a place like Burnaby, and end up on the national stage? 

If you’re looking for a classic sports story, the early hype, the inevitable rise, all eyes on them kind of moment, well, Justina Di Stasio just isn’t that. There’s not usually that much excitement about a rubber matt covered in sweat stains. I mean you can probably smell it as I’m describing it.  

Raised in Burnaby, Di Stasio didn’t burst onto the scene as Canada’s next big thing. There was no viral moment, no instant stardom. It was built through years of grinding in gyms, competing in under the radar competitions, and figuring things out as she went. 

Di Stasio’s slow rise really begins at Simon Fraser University. Where she quietly became a consistent national contender. However, she still wasnt reconized, or taken seriously. Despite her efforts and accomplishments, there was still no buzz about her. 

That all changed at the 2018 World Wrestling Championships, Di Stasio didn’t just compete. She shocked the whole audience. 

She won gold. 

Boom. 

(Wrestling Canada Lutte – Facebook)

And there she was. Top of the podium, covered in sweat and overwhelmed with emotions. She flew that Canada flag high off her shoulders that day. What makes this so odd, is that there was no long buildup. No almost there moment. Just a sudden, undeniable breakthrough.  

But a moment like that doesn’t mean its smooth sailing from there. When Di Stasio tried to qualify for the 2024 Olympics it didn’t go as planned. She needed to drop in weight class, and delt with two serious injuries. It looked like her time in the spotlight might be over. 

But its all about resilience. Di Stasio eventually punched her ticket to the 2024 Summer Olympics, turning what could’ve been a wrestling one-hit wonder into something more. 

And that’s what makes her story stand out.