mikeswuk's blog

just back from a weekend camping in pennsylvavia, usa. the hillside meets of the past are the stuff of legend, and i was keen to go when nick organised this year's event. it was awesome! met old friends and made new ones, wrestled and learned quite a lot. the set up was brilliant, with excellent food (enough to satisfy a horde of hungry wrestlers!) and hospitable campsite organisers. thanks nick, and can't wait for for next year!

Back in March 2014 I met Gene Dermody in New York. I’ve known Gene for some time, and over dinner he said I should do the gay games. At this point I’d only done our club tournaments, but when Gene says you can do something you’ve got to give it a go. In addition to working with LAW twice a week I fitted in as much serious coaching and sparring as I could. When I finally got to Cleveland and walked into the hall for the first time it was ‘what the **** have I done?’ but even from the opening ceremony I knew that there would be support all round, so soon I was thinking ‘I can do this.’ I saw the wrestling at the Olympics and I can say that the standard amongst the younger guys was not far off that. Wrestling as a ‘veteran’ I was paired with guys of my age, but I still lost all my matches. The freestyle bouts were short and not very pretty, but I was much more of a contender in the grappling; when you lose you learn, so I have new goals to work on. The tournament was well organised, the camaraderie was incredible and the whole event was inspirational.

Just back from NYC wrestlefest - had a great time and met some really good guys. hopefully see again you next year. if we planned to meet and didnt then there is always next year. to the no shows (you know who you are) its your loss.