Mary Westman had competed at the international level as a junior in the Indigenous Games and made All-America women's wrestling teams for the University of Jamestown (North Dakota).

A wrestler since the first grade and freestyler since the eighth, when she competed in the Indigenous Games, Westman is no stranger to the sport's high levels. But she said last weekend, climbing to a runner-up finish at the Last Chance Olympic Team Trials, ranks among the best feelings the sport has brought her.