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 is asking her community to support her competitive season, including a potential appearance at the World Championship in Azerbaijan this July
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 is now awaiting the final selection decision that could send her to the 2026 World Championship in Azerbaijan this July.
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. This summer, it may be 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
A Full Season Ahead
Regardless of what the coming weeks bring, Isabelle's competitive season is far from over. She has developmental training camps and tournaments ahead that are critical to her growth as an elite athlete — and if the final selection decision goes her way, she will also be representing Canada at the 2026 World Championship in Azerbaijan at the end of July.
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 — and none of it pauses while selection decisions are made. Isabelle is working to raise $10,000 to fund her full competitive season, and she is asking her community to help make it possible.
Photo: Walter Howor
How to Support Isabelle
There are several ways to get behind Isabelle as she prepares for what could be the biggest competition of her career:
Contributions of any size go directly toward Isabelle's training camps, tournaments, and World Championship costs. Her goal is to raise $10,000.
Donate on GoFundMe →Businesses and organizations are invited to partner with Isabelle as an official sponsor. Sponsors will have their logo displayed on her team apparel at the World Championship in Azerbaijan.
Sponsorship Inquiries →Isabelle also runs Miss Chen Kaya, her own handcrafted pandan coconut jam business. A portion of every jar sold goes directly toward her training and competition fund. A more delicious way to cheer her on.
Order at misschenkaya.com →Isabelle has put in the work. She has earned her place. Now she is asking Richmond to rally behind her — not just for what she may do in Azerbaijan, but for what she is already doing here at home.
