2019 U15 European Championships

For the first time the NTS sent a team to the U15 European Championships, with this edition being held in Krakow, Poland.

This competition was a high-ranked competition with many nations fielding two athletes per weight.

Ella Johnson and Charlie Meadows respectively qualified for the Continental Championships by winning Gold at the Acropolis Cup, Athens (UWW Competition) earlier this year.

Ella competed at 62kg.  There were 21 wrestlers in her weight. In her first match she beat Italy 6 – 0 and pin and then Ella lost to Turkey 6 – 2. She finished 8th out of 21 wrestlers.

Charlie competed at 44kg.  There were 22 wrestlers in his weight. He lost his opening bout to BUL, putting on a strong performance trailing 4-0 in the first round and going on to lose 6-0, pin, in the second period. BUL went on to lose to AZE 6-4 so no repechage possible for Charlie.

It is both Ella’s and Charlie’s first year in this age group and each should be returning next year to compete at this competition.

Charlie Meadows said ‘It was a great experience but I want to do better. I will train harder to come back next year bigger and stronger to challenge for the medals.’

Said Ella Johnson, “the standard of the other athletes is the best I have ever seen – the best girls from each country are here, wrestling with many different styles.”

‘It was an encouraging performance for British Wrestling at the first U15 European Championships. With further development and work we will produce medalists at this level given the right support,’ said coach and expedition leader Jesse Bradbury.

GBR will be represented by NTS Athletes – Ella Johnson (62kgs) & Charlie Meadows (41kgs)

Ella and Charlie will be supported by NTS Coach – Jesse Bradbury

BWA Safeguarding Support is not required on this occasion as both sets of parents are attending the competition.