Mike Williscraft

Wrestlers are a different breed.

Obviously, they are tough. Gymnasts on the uneven bars have an opponent putting them in a hammer lock when they are attempting their signature move.

American swimmer Michael Phelps didn't have a competitor putting him in an arm bar during his world record win in the 200m Individual Medley.

Yes, a little silly, but wrestlers are different.

Today, Beamsville's Tonya Verbeek feels different.

"I had to win that match for the bronze and to get to the podium, and it was a great feeling."

The difference Tonya was feeling was winning a bronze, as she did Saturday at the Beijing Olympics in her 55 kg women's wrestling category, as opposed to "losing" the gold, which was how she felt when defeated at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

Long-time News reporter Scott Rosts, also a Beamsville native, was pretty darn happy to be doing that story. He has done several features on Tonya's exploits over the years.

They both are Beamsville District Secondary School alumni, so they have connection right there.

As for me, The first time I met Tonya was at BDSS back in the mid-90s when I first moved to the area. At that time, I ended up speaking to Tonya's high school coach Dave Collie for most of the visit.

I had met him way back in my days at Humber College when he was part of Canada's national squad and there was a major competition I covered for the school and freelanced for a wrestling magazine.

Scott did try to get in touch with Dave for today's piece but, as of this writing, he has not made a connection. I think Tonya would want to give her former coach a shout-out, as that's where her wrestling career began -- under Dave's direction.

Now, I am as big a Tonya supporter as anyone, but I didn't get up to see her match live at 5:30 a.m. It would be interesting to know how many did.

Her situation, feeling satisfied with bronze, but disappointed with silver is prime example of the conundrum of sport.

Just making the Olympic team for any sport is a goal to which many aspire but few achieve. To then take a position on the world stage, a nation's eyes focused, and perform at a superior level, now, that's tough.

Congratulations Tonya, from our staff and your community.

* * *

Winona Park is the place to be this weekend, for the 41st annual Winona Peach Festival.

Actually, the event runs from August 22-25, and there is plenty on tap for local families to enjoy.

While there will be plenty of rides, crafts, kids activities and exhibits, what's more important at a Peach Festival than the fruit itself?

The Niagara Fruit Education Centre this year is introducing Peachland -- family activities based on educational aspects about peaches and the agricultural industry.

It's a great idea to show just how peaches are grown, harvested and end up on your table.

Speaking of that last part, there's all kind of peach delicacies, from peach pies to the infamous peach sundaes -- which if you haven't had one of those, it's worth the trip for that alone.

For more information log onto www.winonapeach.com.