JUNIOR wrestlers from Oxford are going from strength to strength after throwing and pinning their way to eight podium finishes at two major competitions.

Members of Oxford City Wrestling Club, who train in a room at Barton Pool on Wednesday evenings, picked up gold, silver and bronze medals at the British Junior Championships, and a further three golds and two bronzes at the South of England Wrestling Championships.

Club chairman Christine Trueman said the youngsters had worked hard for the club, which was founded just 18 months ago.

She said: “We are so proud – they listened to their coaches and performed really well.

“They have worked very hard to understand the rules of wrestling – the medals are the culmination of a lot of hard work.

“It’s been a fantastic couple of weeks for the club.”

Mrs Trueman particularly praised the efforts of Iranian coach Darius Haghighi, 35.

She said: “Darius is marvellous – he’s given up a lot of his time to train our members.”

Mr Haghighi, whose brother is a national wrestling coach in Iran, said he hoped more people would join the club in the wake of its recent success.

He said: “I think wrestling is the best sport in the world. It’s the national sport in my country and I want more children in the city to get involved.

“It builds inner strength and confidence in young people. It’s nothing to do with WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment).

“It’s a martial art, like judo, and you have to understand the rules and points system.”

Oxford City Wrestling Club has 20 adult members and 13 juniors, all from Barton or Marston.

Competitors are matched by age and weight.

Harry Trueman, 17, a pupil at Wheatley Park School, won silver at the British Junior Championships, held in London on March 28. He said: “Apart from rugby, there’s not many sports where you get to show off physical strength, and competitions are a good way to use all the skills you have picked up.”

Luke Chaulk, 11, from Barton, who won bronze, said: “I like the competitions and the thrill of winning – it’s good fun.

“Training is hard work, but it’s worth it.”

Friend Brandon Ayres, 12, a pupil at Cheney School, who won gold, added: “I felt great to win. Hopefully I’ll win lots of medals in the future.”

Proud mum Mandy Ayres, of Fettiplace Road, said the wrestling club offered a great opportunity for youngsters living in the city to try something different.

She said: “Christine has done so much for the children – it’s a fantastic club, absolutely brilliant.”

Oxford City Wrestling Club is recruiting new members of all ages.

For details, call Mrs Trueman on 07801 439172.