Richmond's Isabelle Chen Wins Gold at Canadian Trials — and She's Already Changing the Game at Home

The 17-year-old wrestler, youth leader, and City of Richmond award recipient won gold at the 2026 Canadian World Team Trials — and went on to compete for Canada at the U17 World Championship in Baku, Azerbaijan

Isabelle Chen (centre) on the podium at the 2026 Canadian Wrestling World Team Trials in Montreal

Richmond, BC — In late May, Isabelle Chen traveled to Montreal and came home as a Canadian World Team Trials gold medalist. The 17-year-old freestyle wrestler, competing in the 49 kg U17 Cadet category, delivered one of the strongest performances of her career — and in July 2026, she traveled to Baku, Azerbaijan to compete for Canada at the U17 World Championship.

Representing Canada at the world level runs in the family. Her father, Chef Alex Chen, competed at the Bocuse d'Or in Lyon, France in 2013 — the most prestigious culinary competition in the world — and finished in the top 10. In 2025, he returned to Lyon as a jury member, representing Canada on the international stage once again. In July 2026, it was Isabelle's turn.

For those who know Isabelle, the result was not a surprise. What she has accomplished on the mat is only part of her story.

A Leader On and Off the Mat

In 2024, Isabelle recognized a simple problem: she didn't have enough training partners or mat time. Rather than accept that as a limitation, she started a wrestling team at Hugh Boyd Secondary School. She was the only female wrestler on the roster — and she was named team captain.

Isabelle with the Hugh Boyd Secondary wrestling team, 2024

Isabelle with her Richmond wrestling team, 2026

That was just the beginning. In the 2025–2026 season, Isabelle and her teammates from Bhullar Wrestling Club grew the program beyond Hugh Boyd, expanding to four additional high schools across Richmond. What started as one girl looking for more mat time has become a movement. And she is not done — Isabelle is now setting her sights on bringing wrestling into Richmond's elementary schools, building a foundation for the next generation of athletes before they even reach high school.

That instinct — to create opportunity rather than wait for it — runs through everything she does. Isabelle is a member of Canada's Generation 2026 Youth Leadership Council, where she works to promote equity and representation in sport. She mentors younger wrestlers, advocates for girls' access to athletic spaces, and leads by example both on and off the mat.

Isabelle receiving the U-ROC Youth Leadership Award from the City of Richmond, April 2026

In April 2026, the City of Richmond recognized her contributions with the U-ROC Youth Leadership Award — an honour that reflects not just what she has achieved, but the kind of person she is choosing to be.

Her message to young girls is clear: every girl deserves access, opportunity, and a sense of belonging — on and off the mat. No one should have to wait for permission to step into the arena. Isabelle doesn't just say it. She proves it.

"Every girl deserves access, opportunity, and a sense of belonging on and off the mat. My goal is to make sure no one feels like they have to wait for permission to step into the arena." — Isabelle Chen, 2026 Canadian World Team Trials Gold Medalist & U17 World Championships competitor

A Season to Remember

In July 2026, Isabelle traveled to Baku, Azerbaijan and competed for Canada at the U17 World Championship — representing her country on the biggest stage in amateur wrestling. She earned her place the hard way: by winning gold at the 2026 Canadian World Team Trials.

Like many amateur athletes in Canada, the cost of competing at the highest level falls largely on the athlete and her family. Training camps, travel, accommodation, and competition fees add up quickly. Isabelle is grateful to every person who supported her journey — and she's already focused on what comes next.

Photo: Walter Howor

How to Support Isabelle

Isabelle's journey doesn't stop here. She's saving for college and continuing to compete and train. There are two meaningful ways to support her:

Isabelle has put in the work. She has represented Canada. Now she's focused on what's next — and Richmond's support means everything.