SSHoF logoJillian Gallays

Athlete (2025)

Wrestling

Jillian GallaysJillian Gallays’ journey to the Olympic stage started in a Saskatoon high school gym. An all-around athlete at Aden Bowman Collegiate, she played soccer, sprinted at track provincials, and gave wrestling a try in Grade 9 — winning her first match as a novice. Her best finish in high school wrestling was third at provincials in her senior year, but the seed had been planted.

Jillian went on to compete with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, where her career began to take shape. In 2009, she won both the Canada West and Canadian Interuniversity (CIS) titles and finished second at senior nationals. That same year, she was named an Academic All-Canadian, balancing elite sport with her kinesiology studies — all while navigating dyslexia and learning differences.

Her persistence paid off. Over the next decade, Jillian represented Canada on the world stage, including appearances at the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games, 2013 World University Games, multiple World Championships, and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. At the 2014 World Championships in Uzbekistan, she won bronze — defeating Russia’s four-time national champion. She also earned bronze at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

Jillian’s career wasn’t without setbacks. She underwent major surgeries on both knees, faced sudden injuries — including one during warm-up at a training camp in Poland — and made the difficult transition to a new weight class late in her career. But her determination never wavered. In 2016, she secured her spot at the Olympic Games with a dominant performance at the Pan American Olympic Qualifier, winning every match without giving up a single point.

After a 10-year run on the national team, Jillian joined an elite group of wrestlers from Saskatoon — alongside Gord Garvie, Bob Molle, and Viola Yanik — who have competed at the Olympics since 1896.

Today, she continues to evolve. She’s now a mother, a small business owner in the wellness space, and a Master’s student in management and analytics — proving that adaptability and perseverance don’t stop when the sport does.

Through every injury, every transition, and every new chapter, Jillian has remained grounded in the same spirit she carried onto the mat: proud to be from Saskatchewan, and always ready to fight for what matters most.