Gibson’s back with a - gold and silver - bang!
Sunderland-born school teacher Barry Gibson is celebrating after fighting his way to gold and silver medals in the British Open Sambo Wrestling Championships.
Gibson clinched gold in the heavyweight masters division, making him a three-time British champion.
Barry also claimed silver in the heavyweight senior division, beating opponents from England, Ukraine, Scotland and Wales, at the event held in Folkestone.
Gibson’s feat was all the more special after making his ‘make or break’ return to the ring after three and a half years out from the sport.
As a result of the victory, Gibson has now qualified to go to the World Masters Championships in October, held in Morocco, to represent Team GB once again, after doing so in the past.
Sambo is a Russian combat sport with similarities to judo, wrestling and MMA.
The sport has seen considerable growth internationally since 1938 when it was founded as a system of self defence for the military, and is fast becoming popular in Britain with the rise of MMA.
Gibson said: “I’m thrilled to be back on the mats.
“This was a ‘make or break’ situation whether I continued to pursue my passion after such a long lay off.
“I exceeded my own expectations and hopes and it’s a honour to represent my country once again.”
Barry who lives in Whitburn, runs a sambo club in Roker Rough House MMA gym twice a week on Monday and Wednesday evening.”