Former wrestler Chris Wilson pins punk rocker Joe Keithley for NDP nomination

by Charlie Smith on March 4th, 2013 at 12:01 AM

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Punk legend Joe Keithley, a.k.a. Joey Shithead, put up a great fight, but it wasn't enough to defeat former world-champion wrestler Chris Wilson for the NDP nomination in Coquitlam-Burke Mountain.

Wilson, executive director of KidSport Tri-Cities, was supported by NDP MP Fin Donnelly and Coun. Selina Robinson, who's been nominated to run for the party in Coquitlam-Maillardville.

Keithley, a long-time resident of Burnaby and front man for the band D.O.A., finished ahead of two other candidates, former Coquitlam councillor Barrie Lynch and Vincent Wu.

Coquitlam–Burke Mountain is represented by B.C. Liberal Doug Horne, who was appointed as parliamentary secretary to the premier in September.

Wilson, a former Olympic athlete and member of the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame, was a national champion freestyle wrestler six times. He won gold at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, gold at the world championships in 1993 and 1994, and a silver and bronze at the world championships in 1991 and 1993, respectively.

In 1995, Wilson was the Johnny F. Bassett Award winner for being the Canadian athlete who combined strong community values with athletic achievement.

He's also founder of "The Esteem Team", which helps build confidence in young Canadians.

Comments

4 Comments

Gary Volk

Mar 4, 2013 at 12:25am

Wilson is a very strong candidate for the NDP. High profile in Coquitlam, former Olympian, two-time World Champion in wrestling. Keithley should stick to running in East Van/Burnaby. The Mike Farnworth - Fin Donnelly organizations put Chris over the top. Look for him to defeat Doug Horne in a nail bitter on e-night.

Boon

Mar 4, 2013 at 1:56pm

All of the media have been trumping Wilson as a 2 time world champ but i dont think he ever won the worlds, his best was silver.

" gold at the world championships in 1993 and 1994, and a silver and bronze at the world championships in 1991 and 1993, respectively"

- Not sure he won gold and bronze in the same tournament either. ;p

WrestlingFan

Apr 18, 2013 at 7:25am

Chris won the world championships in 1988 at the espoir (under 21) level. It was held in Burnaby at BCIT. I believe he defeated a South Korean wrestler in the semi-final. It was a competative world championships with the Russians, Chinese, Iranians, Americans, Bulgarians (and the rest of the Eastern Block) in attendance.