Jordan and Jesse Wagner of Port Alberni (Vancouver Island-Central Coast – Zone 6) are similar in more ways that one. The identical twins also share a passion to be the best in their respective wrestling weight classes.
The Wagner brothers, 16, have trained as wrestlers for the better part of six years, with the distinction of numerous accolades to their names.
Last weekend they competed at the BC Summer Games in Surrey.
From the moment you meet them, you instantly feel the positive and lively vibe of brotherhood, with no signs of jealousy or envy from one another.
The brothers are humble in their approach and cool on the surface, but the fire that fuels them comes out when one asks if there is any competition between the two.
“We are really competitive with each other in whatever we do,” said Jesse.
This is evident in the fact that they have competed against each other for some time. Jordan has gotten the better of Jesse on two occasions which included a fifth-place appearance at the nationals and a third at the westerns, while only conceding to Jesse on one occasion, when they finished first and second respectively.
Although there is a fierce rivalry when they do compete, they also work well together.
“We regularly train each other, even before our big matches against one another,” said Jordan.
Luckily for the brothers, they did not face each other during the BC Summer Games.
But they still came out victorious.
Jesse won a gold medal in the 54 kg class, while Jordan won a silver medal in the 57 kg class.
* Edwin Chand was a member of a BC Summer Games writing team.