SFU Wrestlers Represent Canada with Podium Finishes for McCrackin, MacKenzie, Threatful, and Gudmundson

Current and former SFU wrestlers took to the international stage this past week, with Tejvir Dhinsa and assistant coaches Maddie Mackenzie and Magnus McCrackin competing at the 2026 FISU World University Championship Combat Sports in Brasilia, Brazil, while Owen Gudmundson and Ivy Threatful headed to Lima, Peru, for the U23 Pan-American Championships.

At the FISU World University Championship Combat Sports, held June 8-13, Canada was represented by 20 athletes, including one competitor in each of the 10 men's and 10 women's weight classes. Magnus McCrackin (FS 74 kg) delivered commanding quarterfinal and semifinal victories to reach the gold medal match, where he earned the silver medal. Tejvir Dhinsa (FS 92 kg) competed in four highly competitive matches. Maddie MacKenzie (WW 50 kg) rebounded from an opening-round loss to earn a bronze medal, securing two dominant 10-0 technical superiority wins and finishing strong with a decisive victory in the bronze medal match.

Magnus McCrackin of Beaumont, AB, graduated from SFU with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology in 2025 and is now an assistant coach with SFU Strength and Conditioning. For Magnus, competing at the FISU World University Championship holds significant meaning. After representing Canada at age 17, he has been working toward this opportunity again. "I am so grateful that it was possible," he shared.

When asked how his experience at SFU helped prepare him for international competition, he said, "Our coaching staff is incredible, supportive and have helped me believe I can wrestle and compete at this level. The work we put in as a team everyday is what has allowed me to have this opportunity."

SFU alumnus and current assistant wrestling coach Maddie MacKenzie competed in the women's freestyle 50 kg class. For Maddie, representing Canada on the international stage has been a goal since she started wrestling at age 12 in her hometown of Chestermere, AB. "I have such a great sense of pride representing myself, SFU, and Canada in Brasilia this week, and am excited for the opportunity to wrestle with some of the best of the world," she shared heading into the competition.

Maddie credits her five years at SFU, through the women's wrestling program and the Beedie School of Business, with shaping her development as an athlete, coach and individual. "Taking on this (assistant coaching) position was the most fulfilling thing I have ever done, and it has inspired me to continue on this path of developing individuals into exemplary athletes and individuals of great character in the future," shared Maddie. "It truly does take a village, and I am forever grateful for my time at SFU."

If not competing on the international stage last week, Maddie would have crossed the convocation stage to receive her Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting.

Tejvir Dhinsa of Abbotsford, BC, is a two-time Pan-American Championship silver medalist, earning back-to-back medals at the U20 level in 2024 and 2025, and most recently winning a national title at the Canadian Wrestling Championships in Montreal in May. A criminology student and redshirt freshman at SFU, Tejvir credits training with high-level teammates and coaches for his technical and mental growth, while balancing academics and athletics has built his discipline, resilience, and time management for elite competition.

"Representing Canada is something I take a great deal of pride in," he shared. "It's an honour to wear the maple leaf and compete against some of the best athletes in the world while representing my country. Every opportunity to compete internationally is a reminder of the hard work and support that has helped me get to this level."

During the 2025-26 varsity season, Tejvir won the 97 kg class at the SFU Open, placed second in the 197 lb division at the Spokane Open, and placed third at the Mike Clock Open in Forest Grove, Oregon. He finished the season with a 16-9 record.

At the U23 Pan-American Championships, held June 12-15, Ivy Threatful (WW 50 kg) of Maple Ridge, BC, earned bronze after opening with a 9-6 win before narrowly dropping her quarterfinal and semifinal matches. She responded in dominant fashion with an 18-7 technical superiority victory in the bronze medal match to secure her podium finish. Owen Gudmundson (FS 86 kg) of Burnaby, BC, earned bronze after a strong run through the bracket. He opened with dominant 9-0 and 13-2 victories before dropping a technical superiority loss in his third match and a narrow 4-3 semifinal decision. He responded with a 8-0 win in the bronze medal match to secure his place on the podium.

Ivy Threatful wrapped up her five-year career with SFU Wrestling this spring with a 13-13 record, highlighted by an eighth-place finish at the NCAA Region VI Women's Wrestling Championships. She also placed third in the 117 lb class at the Mike Clock Open and fifth at the RMAC Championships in Colorado.

Ivy describes the opportunity to represent Canada this week as an incredible honour and a reflection of years of dedication. "It's a chance to represent not only my country, but also my coaches, teammates, family, and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey."

She says her experience at SFU has shaped her in ways that extend beyond wrestling. "Competing as a varsity athlete taught me discipline, perseverance, and how to perform under pressure. I've learned a great deal from my teammates, coaches, and the challenges I've faced along the way."

Ivy is pursuing a Bachelor of Environment with a concentration in global environmental systems and a minor in archaeology.

Owen Gudmundson began the week at convocation on SFU's Burnaby campus, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science with a major in molecular biology and biochemistry and a minor in nuclear science, and ended the week competing for Team Canada in Peru.

Owen describes representing Canada as a lifelong dream and a meaningful reward for years of hard work. "It's truly an honour and I am exceptionally grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way," he said.

Owen credits his five years at SFU with surrounding him with top coaches, teammates, friends, and mentors who helped shape him into a resilient, disciplined, and well-rounded student-athlete.

He completed his final season with a 21-21 record. He placed third in the 184 lb class at the Mike Clock Open, third in the 86 kg class at the SFU Open, and sixth at the NCAA Division II Men's Wrestling Super Region VI Championships. Owen was also recognized with the SFU Red Leaf Learning Coach Award, the Nadine Caron Top 10 Scholar-Athlete Award, and the National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American honour. He is currently completing a Master of Science in chemistry at SFU.

Congratulations to all current and former SFU wrestlers representing Canada this year.