Young Keiva claims international crown
Hamilton wrestler Keiva Sherlock was“buzzing”to come back from an international competition in France with top prize in her category.
Proud mum Gillian says Keiva has a new-found confidence in herself after a bad experience saw her fall out of love with the sport.
Calderside Academy pupil Keiva, 12, took first place in the 40kg category at the Internationaux de Back-hold Championships in Pontivy, France, which is a major competition held every year in Brittany.
Part of a 26-strong Scottish team that headed to France as ‘Team Baxter’ after the late Willie Baxter, Keiva showed determination to win, as she faced an opponent in the final who had defeated her in the first round.
Gillian said: “Over in France in the first bout she got beat, and she was kind of disheartened, because it goes by a points system.
“She was deflated, and trying to get her to build back up was a task in itself, to convince her she can do this.
“Keiva then won the second round and had to fight the same wee girl in the final, so there was real determination from her, saying ‘I am winning this’.
“She was buzzing. It was really good to be part of the team, it was a good team, and the biggest that has gone to this competition in a long time.
“Keiva has never competed in an international competition before, but has taken part through the years at Highland Games and gala days and things like that.
“There are about 16 or 17 events she takes part in, and last year she competed in England as well.
“She competed in under-14s as well last year and got fourth, and when you see the size of the girls that’s quite an achievement.
“They’re all farmers’ children and she’s got a tiny wee frame – she’s only 38kg – so that was brilliant for her.
“She trains at Red Road Wrestling Club in Maryhill, her coaches are absolutely phenomenal with her.
“She fell out of love with the sport, but
Gordon Mackie took her under his wing and built her up from not believing in herself anymore to winning.
“He calls her his ‘champ’.
“To go from not believing in herself to her smashing it out of the water is brilliant.”
Keiva got started in a slightly unusual way, but had no doubts what she wanted to do.
Gillian explained: “I took her to dancing and she came out saying she didn’t want to do it anymore, she wanted to do ‘that’ and pointed in next door, and she has been there ever since. “It was a good decision from her. “The season starts again soon with the Highland Games, and there are a number of those.”