Wrestling: Weight battle for new champ

Whangarei's Matthew Courtney had to do it tough in Guam as he grappled his way to two gold and two bronze medals at the Oceania Continental Championships.

The 35-year-old physical education teacher from Kamo High School had to shed 4kg mid-competition to compete in a lighter weight class, and ultimately secure his second gold medal.

"That was one of the tough aspects," Courtney explained. "I started off at about 84[kg] on the first day, and then had to diet and restrict water to finish on the second day at 80 [to compete in the under-80kg grappling category]. It was a real mental task to do my very best and win while cutting weight."

Shedding the weight was only one of Courtney's battle. He then went on to claim the title early last month by winning each of his four grappling matches via submission, using several techniques, including a head-and-arm choke, arm-bar and shoulder-lock.

After winning the gold, Courtney claimed bronze on the same afternoon in the absolute grappling division - where competitors of all weight divisions compete against each other.

In the absolute division, Courtney beat his New Zealand teammate to then pit him against a 120kg Olympic wrestling veteran from Palau - eventually succumbing to his opponent's size and power after coming close to submitting him early in the match.

"Although technique is a very important part of competing," he said, "it can be an uphill battle when you are out-sized and out-muscled."

Earlier in the competition, Courtney also secured gold in the under-84kg freestyle wrestling and bronze in the under-84kg Greco-Roman wrestling divisions.

When it comes to the secrets behind Courtney's surprise successes, he says it's just hard work and belief.

"I was really disciplined for months leading up to the tournament. I trained for around three hours a day ... So the training, and believing that I could do well, contributed to my success."

As a result of his wins, Courtney now qualifies for the world championships in Europe later this year, although he may not be able to make it.

"Unfortunately, I probably won't be able to go. Representing New Zealand in less popular sports means that we have to pay our own way, so it's a bit out of my reach," he said.