Travis Cross, 27, squares off against SFU's Manvir Sahota during wrestling action at Alberni District secondary school Tuesday night. Click here to view more photos. (Karen Boden Photo)

By Karen Boden

PORT ALBERNI — About 250 Port Alberni residents were treated to a display of world calibre wrestling at ADSS gymnasium Tuesday, and three members of Canada’s Olympic team were treated to an enthusiastic Port Alberni send-off.
Local resident Ivan Diaconu stole the show with a close, thrilling match against Stafford University’s Matt Gentry.
Gentry won with just a second or two to spare.
Diaconu came from Russia to help train Port Alberni’s Olympian Travis Cross and is hoping to obtain his Canadian citizenship and perhaps represent Canada in future Olympics.
Cross was joined by two teammates and a number of trainers plus some impressive Island high school wrestlers in a two-hour show of strength and talent.
The Olympic wrestlers leave for Beijing on Aug. 5 to take part in opening ceremonies on Aug. 8. Cross wrestles on Aug. 21.

Karen.boden@westcoaster.ca