Nine young wrestlers from the Primrose-based Raptors Wrestling Club showcased their skills at the South African National Youth Championships, held in Wynberg, Cape Town, in October.
The event saw some of the country’s best young wrestlers competing for top honours, which meant the team had their work cut out for them.
“We were satisfied that our wrestlers had prepared well and were ready to participate in this prestigious event.
“Every wrestler knew they would compete against the best opponents in their respective age and weight categories and knew potential South African titles were at stake,” explained Lorinda Jansen van Rensburg, an assistant coach at the club.
“In addition, this championship was the first national competition for a number of our wrestlers and though they were prepared, we could sense they were nervous.”
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The Raptors excelled during the championships and brought home six medals, three gold, two silver and one bronze.
“Special mention needs to be made of Daniella de Wet, who managed to win all of her matches by fall, and Rico van der Westhuizen, who managed to win all of his matches by technical superiority, doing so without conceding a single point against him,” said head coach Dewald de Wet.
Full list of results:
• Rico van der Westhuizen won a gold medal.
• Daniella de Wet won a gold medal.
• Shannon Jansen van Rensburg won a gold medal.
• Janick Kruger won a silver medal.
• Wiandru van Rooyen won a silver medal.
• Ciara Deale won a bronze medal.
“I cannot express in words the pride I have in this wonderful wrestling team of ours who brought back an amazing six medals,” said de Wet.
“Three members of our club, unfortunately, did not manage to win medals at these championships, but the grace they displayed in defeat speaks volumes of the kind of gentlemen and champions they are.
“I am proud of each and every one of our young wrestlers.”
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De Wet is looking forward to the new season and knows it will be bigger and better than this year.
If you are interested in joining the club, located in Oak Avenue in Primrose, call de Wet on 083 611 7169 or send an email to dadewet@telkomsa.net or visit the club’s Facebook page by searching Raptors Wrestling.
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