1:10pm Monday 30th August 2010
By Kate Proctor
A SPECIAL envoy from the London 2012 Olympic committee flew into Grasmere Sports yesterday to learn more about Cumberland wrestling and talent spot the sport’s shining stars.
French Olympic medalist Daniel Robin, who is now wrestling manager for the 2012 games, spent the afternoon watching nail-biting bouts of the ancient game and making notes to take back to Lord Coe, Olympic chairman.
Chairman of show, Hal Bagot, said he was thrilled to have such an important guest at the event, which showcases the traditional Lakeland sports of fell racing, wrestling and hound trailing.
“We were extremely honoured to have Mr Robin here to watch our wrestlers.
Hopefully he has made some interesting observations on our wrestling style and has been impressed,” he said.
This year’s international feel continued in the wrestling with Scotland and France well represented and the 11stone title going to Watchai Noimai, originally from Thailand.
Wrestling manager Roder Robson said the achievement of Mr Noimai, of Carlisle Wrestling Club, was remarkable considering he only came to England three years ago and had no previous wrestling experience.
Current under 18 world champion Joe Thompson, age 16, from Alston eased a victory in the U18 category and credited his success in the sport to a summer spent ‘chucking bails around the farm'.
The gruelling Guides race to the top of Silver Howe enjoyed an almost record number of entrants which made for a spectacular sight for the crowds who gathered in their hundreds to watch the runners set off.
Overall winner was Rob Hope, current British fell-running champion, who over took Rob Jebb with just metres to go.
Ladies winner was Pippa Maddams, from near Cockermouth.
She said she was thrilled to have won with her fastest ever time of 15 minutes 33 seconds.
Legendary local fell runner Tommy Sedgewick, 60, five times winner and one time race record holder, entered as a veteran and was accompanied over the finish line by his grandaughter, U12 Grasmere fell race champion Sophie Marshall.
“I am really proud to see both my daughters and now my granddaughter Sophie turning out to be keen fell runners.
"It’s a tough, tough race even at the junior level and Sophie’s doing really well,”
he said.
Despite last minute cancellations from the RAF Falcons parachute display team and a mountain bike demonstration group, chairman Mr Bagot said it hadn’t dampened the spirit of the day.
“It’s been a really wonderful event this year, with bright sunny weather and fantastic views of Silver Howe so we could see the race in all it’s glory.”
Results from the Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show 2010 held on Sunday August 29.
Grasmere sports results 2010
Wrestling (age)
Boys
U12 - J Hale.
U15 - W Atkinson.
U18 - J Thompson.
Girls
U15 - C Hodgson.
U18 - C Hodgson.
Wrestling (weight)
Ladies
10 stone - K Brown.
Mens
11 stone - W Noimai.
12 stone - J Haningta.
13 stone - R Fox.
14 stone - R Fox.
Wrestlers costume
Boys
U18 - W Atkinson
Girls
U18 - M Gibson
Mens senior
T Hodgson
Ladies senior
D Thompson
Fell running
U9
Boys - L Hargreaves.
Girls - O Mason.
U12
Boys - C Lowrie.
Girls - S Marshall.
U14
Boys - P Done.
Girls - R Flanagan.
U17
Boys - L M Benne.
Girls - M Wharton
Albitt Memorial Trophy for youngest finisher - George Holder.
Senior Guide race
Winner - Rob Hope (Pudsey and Bramley AC).
Ladies winner - Pippa Maddams (Keswick AC).
Veteran - Alastair Rhodes - Dawson (Todmordon Harriers AC).
First local - Rob Dewhurst (Staveley).
Hound Trails
Puppy trail - W Gyspy.
Open restricted trail - Deja vu.
Veteran hound trail - Ms Dynamite.
Senior hound trail - W Renney.
Click the link below to see our picture gallery from Grasmere Sports & Show 2010.
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