Category
Athlete
Sport
Wrestling
Hometown
Saint John
Year Inducted
2003
athlete
Michael Barry
HONOURED MEMBER
Biography
His career in combatives began with Carl Schell’s judo club in Saint John and wound up at wrestling’s World Cup in 1984.In between he won five national championships in his weight class, membership on Canada’s 1976 Olympic and 1978 Commonwealth Games teams, and podium appearances at events in Cuba, Bulgaria and the United States. He made the switch from judo to wrestling in 1972 with the encouragement of national team member Pat Bolger.A move to Ryerson, Western and Windsor universities allowed him to further hone his skills while earning degrees in physical education and the law. All along this journey he was assisted by caring coaches, supportive teammates, and most of all, by his brother Sean, who shared his passion for a sport in which they both excelled. Enrolled in the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, June 7th, 2003.
Quick Facts
Began his career in judo; was a black belt at 17 years of age
Qualified for the Canadian Olympic wrestling team in 1976
Competed at the Montreal Olympics in under 125 pound free-style division
Canadian champion in his weight class 1977-1979
Won Canadian Intercollegiate titles in 1975 & 1977
Won gold medal at Canada Cup competitions in 1981 & 1983
Finished 7th at world championships in 1979
Won silver medal at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton
Won bronze medals at World Cup competitions in 1980 & 1984