Cochrane wrestler Connor McNeice has made a habit out of reaching the podium in competitions around the globe, but four bullets in the van used to transport wrestlers in Fortaleza, Brazil and an injured bus driver were unwelcomed additions to the experience during the Junior Wrestling Pan-Am, Championship, Aug. 16-19, in Fortaleza, Brazil.

McNeice, 18, and his father Vern, a member of the Wrestling Canada coaching team, weren't in the van at the time but the driver received minor injuries after being grazed by a bullet. The van, shattered side window, bullet holes and all, continue to be used for the duration of the championship. There was no police report for what has become a common occurrence in the seventh most violent city in the world.

A gunshot blasted a huge hole in the driver's side window and there were several bullet holes in the van used to transport wrestler. The driver was grazed by one of the bullets.

McNeice said it was shocking but there were more important things to focus upon.

"It was pretty scaring getting in the bus from the venue and back. It was a bit of a distraction but you can't really let that distract you too much. We were there for a purpose and just keeping focused on that was a big thing. But it was definitely shocking. I really didn't know much about Fortaleza before going, but definitely, when you walked around a bit you realize really quickly it's kind of a sketchy place."

In his first Pan-Am championship as a junior, McNeice won bronze in the 65k class. He bounced back from an earlier match against Mexican Cristian Bernardo Santiago Perez, the eventual silver medallist to win the bronze against Enrique Josue Pere Castellanos of Guatemala. American Andrew Michael Alirex won gold.

Against a Brazilian competitor, McNeice came out a bit flat and was down 4-0 before finding his composure to win, 16-4. Against Perez, the match was tied 3-3 before McNeice was scored on twice late in the second round and lost 8-3.

Ever the perfectionist, McNeice wants to do better and was clearly disappointed.

"We did lots of work but there's definitely stuff I'd like to correct and improve upon," says McNeice. "I don't think it was my best performance but it is what it is. I just have to learn from it and try to make improvements. It was definitely a good learning experience."

"I guess it's nice, but I have bigger aspirations for myself.  I just have to go back to the room and figure out what went wrong."

Fortaleza has a population of over 2.6 million and is the fifth largest city in Brazil. In 2017, Business Insider rated it as in the seventh most violent city in the world and only one Brazilian centre, Natal, ranked higher (#4).

As a cadet wrestler, McNeice won both gold and silver medals at the Pan-Am's and finished as high as fifth at the worlds. McNeice finished fifth in July's Canada Cup.

Within hours of a 28-hour return trip, he was back on the mats practising at the University of Calgary for the Dinos and is especially focused on the upcoming world's in Trnava Slovenia, Sept. 17-23.  He's looking forward to joining his older brother Callum, Canada West's 2017 male wrestler of the year, and other Cochrane Cowboys alumni on the Dinos team.

"I feel like this is going be something to cherish for the rest of my life to just being on the same varsity team as him. I have the same aspirations and goals and I really want to enjoy this time and make the most of it. It's a good opportunity; it doesn't come around often."

The Canadian men's team brought home seven medals at the Pan-Ams and placed third overall.