Eleven young wrestlers from Raptors Wrestling Club, in Primrose, brought home 13 medals from the United World Wrestling tournament, last Saturday.
The tournament was held at Danie van Zyl Community Hall, in Randburg, and was the first tournament of the club’s 2019 season.
“The Raptors had 11 wrestlers, three of which were girls, competing in 14 categories,” said head coach Dewald de Wet.
“This was our first tournament in the 2019 season and it was something special.
“The event was organised by the South African Wrestling Federation, together with United World Wrestling (UWW) which is the international governing body for the sport of amateur wrestling.
“We were also fortunate to have coach Ivan Ivanov, from United States Suples Wrestling Equipment as a guest.”
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Results:
• Shannon Jansen van Rensburg won two gold medals, one in the girls’ division and one in the boys’ division.
• Daniella de Wet won a gold medal in the girls’ division and bronze medal in the boys’ division.
• Ciara Deale won a gold medal in the girls’ division and bronze medal in the boys’ division.
• Dewald de Wet won a gold medal.
• Wiandru van Rooyen won a gold medal.
• Rico van der Westhuizen won a gold medal.
• Sabian Wheeler won a silver medal.
• Timmy Carstens won a silver medal.
• Calan Wheeler won a bronze medal.
• Jason Russel won a bronze medal.
• Joubert Deale placed fourth in his match.
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“Both Dewald and van Rooyen beat South Africa champions during their matches,” commented coach de Wet.
“During the event we received a visit from world famous swimmer Natalie du Toit, and former u-21 Bulls rugby player and senior wrestler, Duane van Staden.
“Van Staden, now an amputee, still wrestles in a non-competitive environment,” said de Wet.
The two each gave a motivational talk which aimed to encourage the young wrestlers.
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.
