He left South Africa on October 23 to visit, learn and compete in wrestling matches in four towns in Germany.
Brakpan resident Matthew Barlett (16) accompanied him.
When they arrived at Leipzig Airport on October 24, it was late in the afternoon, and they were met by two “very big” wrestlers from Germany.
“They took us to the Landesgymnasium für Sport school where we enjoyed a meal in the school’s cafeteria,” says Fernando.
Soon after their meal they were joined by other students from Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Ukraine, Hungary, Bulgaria, Russia and the Netherlands, for a wrestling practise session.
His father Dirk Booysen says Fernando went to school every day, received German language lessons and practised at the school’s sport facilities twice a day.
Fernando boasts that he is able to speak and understand a little of the German language and explains that he stayed with the Buch family in Leipzig, since he was too young to stay in the school hostel.
The youngster also participated in several training camps and competed in four tournaments in four towns.
He took first place at the Internationales Ostalb-Turnier in Aalen, at the Internationale Philip-Seitz-Gedäxhtnisturnier in Kleinostheim and at Sparkassenpokal-Turnier in Jena.
“At the Nikolausturnier B/C Jurgend tournament in Luckenwalde, I faced a very big Russian boy,” he says.
They drew 4-4 in the wrestling match, but since the Russian was the last one to score points, he was awarded the win.
Fernando is happy with his performance and says it was an experience he will never forget.
“I have made new friends and learned a lot and that is what I will remember,” he concludes.
Fernando is the current South African President’s Greco Roman Champion, the South African President’s Champion, the South African Greco Roman Champion and the South African Youth Champion in the 30 to 33 kg weight class.
