The Northern Natal Rhino Wrestling club has produced its 52nd champion, local ace, Wiehan Whelan, who has the prestigious opportunity to wrestle in Bosnia.
The world cadet wrestling championships are underway in Bosnia as from August 22 – 31 where Wiehan will represent NKZN and South Africa.
Competing since the tender age of eight, Wiehan did not win anything for the first six years but with the help of his ‘super coach’, Steven Brown, he has accomplished up to 41 medals on his wall. “He believed in me,” he said warmly.
Wiehan has a long list of accolades which he has accumulated since his slow start where he has competed all over South Africa and Egypt in May where he was awarded a bronze medal. “It was a tough one,” Wiehan admitted.
In 2009 and 2010, Wiehan amassed 11 gold medals, a bronze medal and Natal colours. In 2011 and 2012 he competed in the RSA Greco Roman and RSA Freestyle where he won a silver and bronze medal respectively.
He also pocketed a bronze medal from the RSA Mpumalanga Open and the Johnnie Reitz.
The grade 10 scholar from Sarel Cilliers High School is grateful to his teachers who assist him in juggling his school work, rugby, wrestling and homework. “They also helped raise money for my tour,” he said.
Wiehan loves wrestling because it helps build his confidence and he can protect himself. “It’s healthy, teaches discipline, it is a gentleman’s sport where you learn to treat others with respect, eat healthy and build strength for other sports,” he explained.
Mr and Mrs Whelan described the strict diet that he has to follow prior to his championship in Bosnia. “His breakfast consists of oats, a can of tuna and an apple during the day and a shake at night,” Mrs Whelan explained, “he once had to lose 1.9kg in two hours to stay within the 63 – 69kg weight group.” Wiehan uses honey as an energy supplement to keep up his strength.
The Whelans would like to thank the following sponsors for donating money towards Wiehan’s tour: Sunshine Motors, Mayor Thulani Mahaye of Endumeni, Mr Rudolf van der Merwe, family and friends. “We are very grateful because it is expensive as the parents are fully responsible financially,” Mr Whelan expressed.
Wiehan expressed his gratitude to his ‘super coach’ – Steven Brown – “he invests a lot of hours and effort to coach us,” he said.
His short and long term goals are to acquire SA colours and to represent South Africa in the Olympics.
”I am grateful to the Father for the talents He has given me, ” he enthused, “I trust that through being an example of God’s glory, that many will be inspired.“
