Paul
Stridgeon Report - World
Games -Nates
We
arrived at Nantes Airport and were taken to "The Grand
Hotel De Nantes". It was very nice and situated in the
centre of the old town. I dropped my bags off and set off for
a light jog around the town for about 30 mins. That evening
I went to bed around 10pm as I was to weigh in the next day.
The coach picked us up at 7.15am and took us to the stadium
where I checked my weight. I returned to the hotel and slept
until the medical and weigh in which started at 3.30pm. I made
the 63kg weight, weighing in at 62.8kg. We then ate and returned
to the hotel, to go to bed ready for a 7am start. When I got
to the competition, I found that there were 25 competitors in
my weight and I was in a pool of 3, along with Central African
Republic and Japan. I had a bye my first round. Japan beat Central
Africa.
I had my first match against Central Africa that evening. The
match was still in its infancy, we were still getting the feel
of the match when I caught him with a "head and ankle"
and pinned him after 2 minutes. I was relieved to have got the
first match out of the way and win the calmed my nerves somewhat.
The next day I was to fight the Japanese wrestler. He scored
the 1st point with a double leg. There were a few stalemates
then I got him in a front headlock. He swung out and scored
his 2nd point. He then "cross ankled" me, the referee
gave 3 points but because the action took place in the centre
of the mat the points were doubled to 6. He scored a further
2 points and I lost 10-0 which I was rather disappointed about.
The Japanese wrestler was placed 8th, whilst I was placed 15th.
The rest of the trip I watched the rest of the wrestling. Excellent
standard, especially the finals. The competition was excellent
and I feel I gained experience from the enjoyable trip which
I hope will benefit me in the future.
The wrestling standard was extremely high. I would advise any
young wrestler to aim for the World Championships whether it
be at junior or cadet level. It is a really enlightening experience
and a great honour to represent ones country.
Wrestler
Profile, this
Issue is on:
Paul Strigeon
We have chosen Paul as the profile
of the newsletter as we feel that he is one of the most longstanding
dedicated members of the gym.
He
is now 19 years of age and his achievements have been tremendous.
Paul began wrestling at the age of 6 years of age and has always
wrestled for Aspull Olympic Wrestling Club with Roy Wood as
his coach. His achievements are listed below.
- 6x
British Junior Champion
- 6x
English Junior Champion
- 2x
British Senior Champion
- 3x
English Senior Champion
- 3x
Gold Medallist Kruibeke International
- European
Collegiate Wrestling Silver Medallist
- Great
Britain Junior and Senior International. Represented Great
Britain in the World Cadet Championships in 1994, 1995 and
1996. World Ranking at cadet level in 1996 was 13th.
Paul's
ambition is to represent England in the commonwealth games in
Manchester 2002 and to represent Great Britain in 2004 in the
Olympic Games.
Coach
says that with a combination of Paul's ability dedication and
longstanding support which he receives from his parents he is
sure that Paul will fulfil his dreams.
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