Wrestling held back by lack of competition

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33448, 1 February 1974, Page 10

Wrestling held back by lack of competition

New Zealand wrestlers might treble their haul of three Games medals if they had more international competition, the team manager (Mr K. F. Scott) said yesterday. David Aspin, who won a gold medal, had not comiPeted internationally since the Munich Olympic Games [lB months ago: the bronze medallist, Gordon Mackay, -had had his last international bout in Edinburgh in 1970; and Gary Knight, also winner of a bronze medal, was new to top wrestling.

i "All of our team were | affected at the Games by tension due to lack of experi- ’ ence,” Mr Scott said. “Even 1 Aspin was uncertain at the , start of his first bout, and . none of the others wrestled up to capacity. “They were much better in their second bout, but for some, by then, it was too late. The light heavy-weight. Jim Downey, was w'ell below his best form, and Barry Old- ; ridge (bantam-weight) would 1 have done better with more : experience. “I hope w T e can get more | international bouts before the, next Commonwealth Games ' in Edmonton. If we can. we l . might treble our medals,” Mr Scott said. < “We have the techniques.; .We have just to wrestle’ harder, train harder, and; i become more accustomed to; ; competition.” The contact with the • United States made through! . the visit last year of the ■ American coach. Dale ( Thomas, should be invaluable; (to New Zealand wrestling.

Mr Scott was hopeful that Aspin’s gold medal, and the two third placings, would help put wrestling before the [ public as a serious amateur; sport. “These Games might be as big a lift for wrestling as the two wins will he for swimming,” he added.