Lenerd van Schalkwyk impressed on the mats in Manchester, securing silver in the U20 57kg Freestyle division and prepares for 2026!
Manchester, England (03 November 2025) – Just a few days ago, Lenerd van Schalkwyk was putting in his final training sessions, gearing up for the Great British Wrestling Grand Prix and now, he’s returning home with a silver medal.
South African referee Alicia Havenga also represented the country with distinction, officiating throughout the Grand Prix and earning praise for her professionalism.
Competing in the U20 57kg Freestyle division, Lenerd’s performance reflected an impressive 2025 journey.
Speaking after the tournament, the young wrestler said he was pleased with both the level of competition and his own performance.
“It was a very nice tournament small, but with a lot of high-level wrestlers. I got great exposure, especially coming from South Africa. It was a great competition, and I’m happy with it.”
Reflecting on his matches, Lenerd said his conditioning and speed felt strong throughout the event.
“I just need to get better at controlling the nerves before a fight, especially in the first match. By the second match, I was more composed and confident.”
This silver medal marks a strong finish to what has been a standout year for the Pretoria-based athlete, who continues to gain valuable international experience.
With this being his final competition of the year, Lenerd plans to take a short break before returning to training. His next major challenge Will be the National Team Trials in February, where he’ll aim to qualify for the African Continental Championships.
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“I’m going to work hard for that. This year has been about learning and improving next year, it’s about pushing further.”
Sources: South African Wrestling Association
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