Saturday 15th June was a significant day for British Wrestling as we hosted Fierce Females our first-ever female-only wrestling competition at the British Wrestling Academy in Salford. Welcoming 38 girls from across the nation, this groundbreaking event was a resounding success, crafted in direct response to feedback received throughout our ongoing initiatives. We identified and addressed several barriers that women and girls face in traditional wrestling competitions, making this event a pioneering step in promoting inclusivity and empowerment in the sport.
Understanding the Barriers
In preparation for this event, we gathered insights from various participants and potential wrestlers, uncovering common concerns:
- Age 14: “I’m very body conscious and feel petrified about going up in front of a crowd dominated by men to compete.”
- Survivor of Domestic Abuse: “I only feel comfortable in female-only environments.”
- Confidence Issues: “I don’t have the confidence to go into a competition with over 200 people watching me.”
- Fear of Discrimination: “Facing discrimination or prejudice within the sport puts me off from participating in competitions.”
These candid revelations highlighted the need for a more tailored and supportive environment, where female wrestlers could compete without the pressure and intimidation often present in mixed-gender settings.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Space
The event was meticulously designed to foster a relaxed atmosphere, ensuring all participants felt comfortable and empowered. Featuring wrestlers and coaches from 10 clubs across England, the competition provided a female-only platform that effectively eliminated the challenges associated with mixed-gender events.
Lead Official Laura Lopez-Cepero and Competition Organiser Sahara Mohammed working with coaches took the time to educate new competitors on how to navigate their way through understanding the weigh-in process, pairing and brackets, next-up screens and what to expect at a wrestling competition.
This approach not only encouraged more participation but also built confidence and camaraderie among the wrestlers.
Special Highlights
The competition featured a special appearance by Great Britain wrestler Kelsey Barnes, who presented medals to the participants. Kelsey shared her inspiring wrestling journey, providing motivation and insight into overcoming challenges within the sport. Her presence was a highlight of the event, offering a tangible connection to success and perseverance in wrestling.
Additionally, the event was honoured by the attendance of Ellen Morris, a long-serving British Wrestling official with over 50 years of involvement in the sport. Ellen’s presence underscored the historical significance of the event and offered a bridge between the rich history and the promising future of women’s wrestling in Britain.
A Resounding Success
The competition saw a range of ages and weight categories with up to 5 wrestlers in some brackets. You can find all the results and brackets on c-mats.
Feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive. Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete in a setting that prioritised their comfort and well-being. The competition served as a powerful reminder of the importance of creating inclusive environments in sports, allowing everyone to showcase their talents without fear of judgment or discrimination.
The competition was always intended as an opportunity to engage new women and girls in competition and give them the confidence to move forward into traditional wrestling competitions.
Having entered this competition and knowing what to expect I’m now ready to enter the upcoming competition in Birmingham.
Competitor aged 11
Because I know what to expect and the routine of wrestling competition I now feel more confident to enter other competition.
Competitor aged 14
Looking Forward
Unfortunately, this historic competition marks the end of the Sport England-funded Commonwealth Games Legacy Project but it also symbolises the beginning of a new chapter for British Wrestling. We remain committed to promoting gender equality and inclusivity in our sport. The success of this event underscores the need for continued efforts to break down barriers and provide opportunities for all aspiring wrestlers, regardless of gender.
As we move forward, we aim to build on this success, expanding our initiatives to further support female wrestlers and create a more inclusive wrestling community.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and initiatives as we continue to champion diversity and equality in British Wrestling.
