Criminology alumna Danielle Lappage competes at 2016 Summer Olympics

While watching the Opening Ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, you may have noticed a familiar face in the Parade of Nations – Criminology alumna Danielle Lappage. Lappage is representing Team Canada in the women’s 63 kg freestyle wrestling competition.

SFU Criminology caught up with Lappage to ask her about participating in the ceremony:

“It feels like I’m living a dream. Walking in the Opening Ceremony was surreal. I get to be a part of something so huge, so inspirational, so elite. It has been a dream since I was a little girl to be here [at the Olympics], and now I am an Olympian. It’s unbelievable,” says Lappage.

Lappage is no stranger to international competitions: she made her first Cadet national team in 2006, and she’s represented Team Canada on the world stage ever since. She’s also a former member of SFU’s varsity wrestling team. She finished her university wrestling career in 2013 as a three time WCWA national champion.

Watch Lappage compete starting with qualifications at 6:00 am on Thursday, August 18. The women’s 63 kg freestyle competition takes place over one day. Review coverage and see the full schedule at CBC – Canada’s Olympic Network.

“The girls on the team with me are all some of my closest friends, which makes this experience perfect. We are all excited to compete, and confident in our abilities and potential. We are ready to show the world what we are made of!”

Leave a comment on our Facebook Page or email crimcomm@sfu.ca to let Danielle know you are cheering for her. We’ll compile the comments and send to Danielle before she competes on August 18.  (Send your comments by 12:00 pm on August 16.)

Lappage graduated with her MA in Criminology at Spring 2016 Convocation. She received her BA in Criminology from SFU in June 2013.  She is a full-time athlete living in Vancouver and wrestling for the Burnaby Mountain Wrestling Club.