Casey Grammar student Jannatpreet won gold in the recent Victorian State Wrestling Championships.
The 13-year-old came first in the U14 Girls 44kg competition.
Jannatpreet began the sport when she was 10 after being introduced to a wrestling coach at a family gathering.
Curious about what the sport involved, she decided to go to a few training sessions and was hooked. She now trains twice a week at a wrestling gym.
“I stick to a regular training schedule where I practise wrestling techniques, but my training also includes lifting weights, running and exercises like push-ups and sit-ups,” she said.
Jannatpreet won gold in only 43 seconds at the state championships, pinning her opponent to the ground to secure the win.
Organised by the Victorian Wrestling Association Inc., competitors had to follow strict United World Wrestling Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling rules as they battled it out at the event that attracted talented wrestlers from across the state.
“I picked up one of my opponent’s legs and then put my leg behind her leg that was still on the floor. I then fell back on her and kept pushing until both her shoulders and back were on the floor,” Jannatpreet said, explaining her winning wrestle.
“Winning gold is definitely a highlight. I remember hearing the whistle blow that indicated I’d successfully pinned my opponent and I was really happy. There was a big build-up to that moment and my hard work has paid off.”
Jannatpreet balances her weekly training and medal-winning ways with school and homework.
“I particularly like Sport, PDT, Drama and Art and I’m looking forward to studying Forensic Science next year. I’m not sure what I want to do when I leave school – I just want to be successful and independent,” she said.
Casey Grammar School principal Fiona Williams said the whole school was proud of Jannatpreet’s state championship win.
“Our students take part in a multitude of sports inside and outside of school and it’s wonderful to see students like Jannatpreet working hard and then enjoying the success that their commitment brings,” she said.
“We’re interested to see where Jannatpreet’s determination and talents take her next.”
