By Morissa Lindsay
Barbados’ top wrestlers Reuben Wiltshire and Lemar Tull took centre stage on home sand as they won their respective categories at the 2022 Barbados Beach Wrestling Open held this past Saturday on Brandons Beach in front of Rascals of Barbados Restaurant and Bar.
They competed against a field of world class athletes including Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Charlie Bowling who emerged as the grand champion of the Barbados Open event having won the 80kg as well as the 90+kg in what was a great showdown.
Given their top-notch performances, it is expected that Wiltshire who will represent Barbados for the first time at the Central American and Caribbean Beach Games along with Tull will be on the plane for the November 19th to 26th Beach to Santa Marta, Colombia, where the event will be held.
Despite suffering from a slight back injury, Wiltshire has proven that he is the best wrestler on the island at the moment by winning the 90 kg category, which also featured fellow Barbadians Francois Jones in second position, Kwame Inniss third and Andre Stoute fourth overall.
Not yet done, Wiltshire advanced to the 90+kg battle where he fought Aidan McVeigh of Canada and narrowly lost 3-2 in what was a good clash between the two men.
Charlie Bowling (left) of England emerged as grand champion of the Barbados Beach Wrestling Open and also won his 80kg division against Lemar Tull of Barbados. (Pictures by Morissa Lindsay)
During an interview with Barbados TODAY, Wiltshire said: “Today’s competition was rather entertaining, I got to see some old faces that I haven’t seen for a while. So, it was nice seeing some old faces and knowing I am on top when it comes to them and that I haven’t lost what I have gained so far. With the competitors that came in they are awesome because we got to exchange some techniques and it was pretty good.
“I am actually amazed at how many competitors came out today, usually there are a lot of people in the 90 plus kg, so I was going to compete in the 90kg only but it is only three people and I accidently got put in the 90 plus, so I just said I am going to compete in both. There is a lot of talent here today and I am happy to see wrestling growing here in Barbados when it comes to beach and mat. The young ones especially coming up and showing their talent, they are the ones upcoming.”
As it relates to the final which lasted two minutes and 21 seconds against the strong Canadian lad McVeigh, Wiltshire explained: “I was winded and kind of gave away a point when I was trying to perform a technique and it didn’t go fully. But that kid is strong for his age but it was good, he has some good speed and that match was brilliant.”
Meanwhile, Englishman Bowling who came up against 90+ kg winner McVeigh in the grand championship match and won in a minute and 13 seconds said: “It is a bit different to freestyle wrestling but what a great place to be in Barbados. It was an interesting tournament and I am really happy to be here. It was a well-organized tournament and it was good to see so many people taking part. It was probably the quickest match today but arguably the toughest match because of the weight difference he has 25 kilograms heavier than me.”
The Barbados Wrestling Association thanked the Barbados Bottling Company, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, Barbados Olympic Association, Rascals of Barbados and Williams Solar Equipment for their generous support.
morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb
