Wrestlers take out gold

Richie Blundell and Misty Townsend have done the Counties Hunua Wrestling Club proud.

Blundell won gold in the under-21 men’s 84kg division freestyle event at the Oceania Wrestling Championships. The 18-year-old Townsend backed her teammate up with gold in the under-21 women’s 48kg division. The championships were held in Papeete, Tahiti last month and both won their finals. Townsend was delighted how she and the New Zealand team performed.

‘‘Tahiti had hot and humid conditions for competition but it was a great atmosphere to compete as part of a very successful NZ team that won the overall medal count over our traditional rivals Australia.’’

Both wrestlers aren’t resting on their laurels. Both are back training five days a week for upcoming events. Blundell is looking to peak for the Down Under Games in Australia in July and the New Zealand national championships in September. Townsend also has an eye on two competitions, the Melbourne Wrestling Club and the New Zealand nationals. Darcy Dunlop, the club’s seniors coach, is another club member with gold on his mind. He has tapered his training as he prepared to leave for the USA Veteran nationals where he will compete in the 76kg class where he won silver last year. The club trains at Rosehill College on Wednesday nights.