Bolton wrestler goes for gold

5:15pm Friday 10th October 2008

WRESTLING: BOLTON wrestler Lawrence Carson is aiming to win a medal for Team England at the Commonwealth Youth Games, which get underway in Pune, India, tomorrow.

The 16-year-old, a member of Sharples Wrestling Club, was part of the 80-strong team that arrived on Wednesday.

Lawrence, who competes in the under–63kg class, said: “It’s great to be out here, despite the heat, and I really can’t wait for the competition to start now. We’ve been training twice a day and it’s been good. I’ve never seen anything like the wrestling venue here before – it’s brilliant.

“I’ve wrestled for GB a few times, but this is the biggest event I’ve ever been in. It’s great to be part of a multi-sport event and mix with athletes from other sports. My family keep ringing me to see how it’s going and they’re all behind me.

“The main opposition is likely to be from India, Canada and maybe Cameroon. I’m hoping to get a medal – I’ve finished fourth a few times and it’s really annoying. You almost feel as if you’ve come last when you just miss out on a medal.”

The event runs until October 18. Team England athletes are competing in all nine sports at the Games – athletics, badminton, boxing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tennis, weightlifting and wrestling.

Team England finished first in the medals table at the first Commonwealth Youth Games in Edinburgh in 2000 with 36 golds, 41 silvers and 18 bronzes.