Inside the Ring: Refereeing at the Olympics with Wade Peterson

Host Ina Leahy sits down with Wade Peterson as he shares his incredible journey from a young boxer in Redcliff to an international referee and judge at the Olympics. Discover the behind-the-scenes of boxing officiating, the challenges faced, and the passion that drives excellence in sports.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Wade's background in boxing01:52 Wade's journey from boxer to referee and judge03:57 First national and international competitions06:59 Refereeing and judging at the Olympics11:56 International travel and experiences in boxing18:01 The new evaluation system for officials23:05 Secrecy and security at the Olympics30:13 Memorable moments and challenges at the Olympics39:57 The future of boxing officiating and Wade's adviceWade Peterson is a distinguished boxing referee and judge who has made significant contributions to the sport of boxing. From his humble beginnings in Redcliff to being inducted into the Medicine Hat Sports Wall of Fame, Wade's story is one of passion, dedication, and resilience.Wade's journey began in the 1980s when he took up boxing to keep fit for hockey. However, as boxing became his true passion, he participated in numerous competitions, earning accolades such as a bronze medal at the national level and participation in the Canadian Winter Games. After hanging up his gloves in 1986, Wade transitioned to officiating, where he quickly found his footing under the mentorship of renowned officials, paving the way for an illustrious career.As Wade's passion for the sport grew, he began to gain more skills as a boxer leading him to participate in over twenty-six fights and earning a bronze medal at the national level. His experiences in the Canadian Winter Games, where he met Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, further fueled his dedication to boxing. After years as a boxer, Wade was introduced to refereeing by his mentor, Bill Page. Wade quickly found success, working his first national championships just a few years later in 1989.Wade took a ten-year hiatus from officiating to focus on family life after his daughter was born in 1992. However, in 2002, he returned to boxing, motivated by his son’s interest in the sport. Wade’s experience and dedication allowed him to seamlessly reintegrate into the boxing community, further establishing his reputation as a skilled referee and judge.Throughout his career, Wade has officiated numerous national and international competitions, eventually earning the opportunity to referee at the Olympic level. His journey is a testament to his hard work, determination, and love for boxing, showcasing how passion can lead to incredible achievements. Wade's journey from a young boxer to an esteemed referee at the Olympics highlights the importance of dedication to one’s craft. For those interested in boxing, Wade's insights and experiences serve as a valuable resource, inspiring the next generation of athletes and officials. ResourcesBoxing Canada - https://boxingcanada.org/World Boxing - https://www.worldboxing.org/International Boxing Association - https://www.iba.sport/Olympic Official Website - https://olympics.com/Pan American Games - https://www.panamsports.org/Medicine Hat Sports Wall of Fame - https://www.medicinehat.ca/parks-recreation/sports-wall-of-fame/Thank you for listening and sharing you are one in a million! We are excited to announce our community is growing and we couldn't do it with out you!  Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch PodcastSupport the show