Local wrestling sensation Fernando Booysen sees a bright future for himself in the sport, and he has not allowed lockdown to get in his way toward achieving his goals.
Last year, Fernando was the proud recipient of Gauteng Sports Award for School Sport Athlete and has proudly represented his school, Hoërskool Hugenote in many tournaments.
Booysen says he has been training in his parents?garage to maintain his fitness during lockdown.
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In order to keep his wrestling skills sharp, he has been analysing technical videos on the internet and shadow wrestles whenever he can.
Booysen’s wrestling career began 10 years ago when he tagged along with his friend to the Brakpan Wrestling Club, and immediately fell in love with the sport and found that he had a natural ability for it.
American freestyle wrestler Jordan Burroughs is Booysen’s favourite wrestler and has been his main inspiration for many years, especially during lockdown.
Booysen’s career has taken him to many places around the world.
Last year, he competed in the Freestyle wrestling World Cadet Championships in Bulgaria where he finished in 12th position.
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The same year he found himself in Tunisia at the Freestyle wrestling African Cadet Championships where he secured an impressive third place.
In 2018, the Hugenote learner wrestled his way to fifth place at the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina.
Booysen aims to eventually turn pro and aims to win the Olympic Gold medal for his country.
“Wrestling is one of the greatest sports on the planet.?It makes you stronger on so many levels.
“It makes you physically stronger, but also improves your mentality and teaches you to have discipline.”
When he’s not in the ring, Booysen is an avid fisherman and enjoys rock climbing.
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