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INUVIK
For Inuvik wrestler Tristan Peter, the 2012 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse was a bit of a homecoming.

Tristan Peter of Inuvik lived in Whitehorse for a year before returning to the NWT. He said the fact the Games were being hosted in the Yukon capital was a big motivator for him to try out for the first time. - Chris Puglia/NNSL photo

Although born and raised in the NWT, Peter lived in the Yukon capital for a year before moving back to Inuvik. Returning to Whitehorse was a big motivator for him to try out for the 2012 wrestling team.

"I never had a chance to come back so I just wanted to come back and visit my family and whatnot," he said. Peter added that being back in the city is a great chance to reconnect with some of his old friends away from the competition.

Peter competed in the 52-kilogram weight class. Speaking on March 12, the athlete, who has been wrestling for about five years, said the Games have been a lot of fun and the experience trumps whether he wins or loses. He did not return with any medals.

"It's good enough just to watch the people wrestle and to be a part of the Games," he said. "I just want to have fun and enjoy the week."

Full competition day

March 7 was a full competition day for individual Team NWT wrestlers after the team event on March 5 in which the territory's wrestlers finished fourth out of five teams.

Peter faced competitors from Alaska, Nunavut and Alberta North, taking a point off Nunavut's Sandy Jr Saviakjuk, but losing all three bouts.

Despite the losses, he was upbeat and excited to be there to cheer on his team and have his father in the stands taping the fights and cheering him on.

"He's pretty proud to watch me wrestle," Peter said.

Dad Gary Jerome beamed as he spoke about having the chance to watch his son compete against wrestlers from around the North, but admitted watching a child wrestle can be a bit strenuous.

"It's nerve-racking," he said. "You're hoping he wins and, you know, he could get hurt, he could hurt other people."

When asked what he thought got his son into the sport, Jerome said he suspects it was television's WWE wrestling.

"He really loves that show," Jerome said.

Despite the inherent dangers of wrestling, Jerome said he didn't stand in his son's way when he wanted to participate.

"Anything he's up for, I'm supportive. Wrestling is a very physical game and you just hope he doesn't get hurt. It's what's on the back of your mind most of the time."

Other than watching his son compete, Jerome said the Games have been exciting and he's enjoyed the chance to watch a few other NWT teams in action.

"It's busy, it's a lot of fun. Hockey is a lot of fun to watch," he said. "It's pretty crowded here in Whitehorse this week."

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