Wrestler triumphs by defying the odds
Having recently won her wrestling division in the SA Youth Championships, Patricia Theledi is on top of the world as she adds another award to her coveted trophy cabinet.
Having recently won her division at the SA Youth Wrestling Championships, Patricia Theledi is on top of the world as she adds another coveted award to her trophy cabinet.
Although Patricia has faced difficult circumstances in life, the 21-year-old champion who grew up at the St Laurence’s Children’s Home, has defied the odds and used the obstacles in her way as stepping stones to triumph in all aspects of her life.
Patricia described her wrestling journey, saying “I started mat wrestling when I was in Grade 9. Many people were confused by it because they thought it to be entertainment wrestling, but it is not. I got my junior Proteas colours two years ago and this year I got my senior colours. I have travelled overseas to represent SA in junior tournaments and this is my first time competing for the senior team.”
“We as a team recently competed in a qualification tournament for selection to Team SA for the Commonwealth Games. In December, we will go through a national qualification round for next year’s Commonwealth Games.
For now, we are waiting to hear who Sascoc (South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee) will select for the national team. If I am selected, I will compete in the qualification rounds in December,” she said.
Patricia said she is elated by her achievements. “I am proud of what I’ve achieved and I am holding thumbs that they select me for the national team. That is something I want to say I have done because that means my opportunities are endless. More than anything, I know that my wrestling is inspiring the kids at the Home to follow in my footsteps. We now have eight boys involved in wrestling.”
Patricia is also a full-time student. “I am currently doing my second year towards a BCom Accounting degree at the University of Johannesburg. I would like to do my honours in Finance once I’ve graduated. More than anything, I am excited for what the future holds. However, I don’t think I would have come this far without the support I’ve received from the Home. It is because of them that I have persevered and have pushed myself to be better and defy the odds,” she concluded.
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