Young wrestling star chases dream

Meet the local wrestler who is working towards her dream of representing Great Britain at the European Wrestling Championships. 

Robyn Coles, from Audenshaw, only took up the sport around 18 months ago, but has impressed so many during that short period. 

The 14-year-old began her fighting career in MMA, before moving on to Jiu Jitsu, and latterly wrestling. 

After only three months of wrestling experience, Robyn was entered into the British Wrestling Championships, picking up a silver medal on debut. 

She then repeated this feat at her next appearance at the Championships. 

In addition to this, Robyn has also won four smaller competitions across the country, as well as one in Northern Ireland.  

Thanks to these wins, Robyn’s stock in the wrestling world is rising, so much so that she has since been selected to represent her country. 

Next month, Robyn will represent Great Britain’s Under 15 team at the Helsinki Open Wrestling Tournament in Finland. 

As well as this, she also had the opportunity to travel to Freiburg (Germany) last week, for a seven-day training camp organised by Great British Wrestling. 

During the week, Robyn fought against some of the most talented wrestlers across Europe, including the Under 17 European Champion. 

The 14-year-old also had the chance to travel to Italy earlier this year for another training camp, which she thoroughly enjoyed: 

“It was a really good experience,” Robyn told the Reporter. 

“I spent five days there training twice a day with so many talented people, and it helped me improve so much.” 

Robyn’s talent for the sport is undeniable, but the lack of funding within British wrestling has meant there have been some struggles on the way. 

Both training camps mentioned, and the Helsinki Open Wrestling Tournament were completely self-funded, meaning Robyn’s parents had to fork out huge sums to cover travel expenses. 

Going forward, if Robyn is to continue to chase her dream of qualifying for the European Wrestling Championships, she must meet certain criteria to do so. 

Robyn can qualify by winning a match at the Under 17 United World Wrestling competition in Spain, or alternatively, by winning two matches at the Under 15 United World Wrestling competition in Romania. 

Another route would need to see Robyn pick up a top three position at the Talinn Open in Estonia. 

All three events take place in March and would likely require Robyn and her family to pick up sponsorships to help out with the travel costs.   

Mum Sarah and Dad Darren have invested huge amounts to help Robyn pursue her dream, but the rising costs are becoming insurmountable: 

“Funding is our main issue going forward,” Robyn’s Dad Darren told the Reporter. 

“Robyn has a great attitude and she’s very talented, but the issue at the moment is not just getting to these European competitions, but it’s ensuring she gets the training she needs. 

“Most training camps are abroad and while they’re all reasonable priced, they soon add up. 

“Unfortunately, British wrestling just doesn’t get the funding that other sports do, that’s just where we’re at.”  

Robyn greatly appreciates the work her parents have put in over the years, and wants to repay them with success: 

“It’s so good to have a supportive family behind me,” Robyn told the Reporter. 

“My Mum and Dad put so much effort in, they take me all over the world and spend so much money on me. 

“It just shows how much faith they have in me, and it makes me want to improve as much as possible and make them proud.” 

The dedication Robyn has shown at such a young age is astounding, often training up to six times a week in pursuit of her wrestling dream. 

Robyn trains with various clubs across the North West, most notably the City of Manchester Wrestling Club. 

Alongside her training, Robyn also coaches Jiu Jistsu at Stealth BJJ in Oldham, where she has a class for ages 6-9. 

“I really enjoy coaching,” Robyn told the Reporter. 

“I’m quite good at it and I love being able to show other people my skills and techniques. 

“I want to help inspire the next generation of martial artists,” she added. 

While Robyn’s short-term goal is qualifying for the European Wrestling Championships, she has lofty ambitions for the future: 

“It’s my dream to make it to the Olympics one day, but I also want to be a dentist- I’m hoping to study chemistry and biology at college.” 

If you would like to keep up with Robyn’s journey, you can drop her a follow on Instagram: ‘@robyn_.coles’. 

For sponsorship enquiries, please contact Robyn’s dad, Darren, via email: darrencraigcoles@live.co.uk