Jaxon Friend first found out about wrestling through his family, watching his brother start the sport 10 years ago.
Although his brother stuck with rugby, Jaxon found himself intrigued by wrestling, finding a better fit on the mats than on the field.
"Wrestling is a full contact sport, but you’re not running it straight like you would in a game of rugby.
"It takes the factor of force against force, breaking bones and stuff, it took that risk factor out for me," he said.
Now 10 years on, Jaxon trains regularly for the Southern Spartan Wrestling team where he is coached by Aaron Miller.
The medals just keep piling up too as he travels around both New Zealand and the world.
Recently, Jaxon returned from American Samoa capital Pago Pago, where he won a silver medal while representing New Zealand in the 2025 Oceania games, and also took part in a beach wrestling competition, winning a bronze medal for his efforts. Jaxon said although he wanted the gold, he was still very happy.
"My main goal was to hear the New Zealand anthem behind my back while I was on the podium.
"I was very close to getting it, but it was just an unlucky match.
"It’s still very cool though, standing up there with New Zealand’s flag around your shoulders," he said.
It took a massive effort to organise these trips, and Jaxon said he could not do it without the help of the people around him, his family and his coach.
"Everyone in Southland helps out Southlanders.
"The community here is good when it comes to fundraising, supporting young people trying to travel for sport.
"I wouldn’t have been able to do it without mum helping out, my coach, even travelling and training with others."
Now back training with the Southern Spartans, Jaxon said he would continue to train harder to achieve his goals.
"I’ve got my sights set on the Youth Olympics for beach wrestling, after that, my big end goal is the Olympics.
"All I need to do is up my training, I’d be very confident in being able to represent New Zealand in bigger competitions."
gerrit.doppenberg@alliedpress.co.nz
