Katikati Brothers Claim Gold at National Wrestling Championships

Two Katikati brothers have wrestled their way to the top of their sport, both winning gold medals at the 95th New Zealand National Olympic Wrestling Championships in Dunedin on 26–27 September. Ollie Clark, aged 11, took gold in the under-13s under-30kg grade, while younger brother Quinn, 9, won gold in the under-9s 28kg grade — competing against kids from across the motu.

It was a landmark year for the nationals, with under-10s competing at the event for the first time. Ollie had already tasted gold the previous year, though that win came without opponents; this year he faced genuine competition. Quinn also earned a special individual accolade — the Most Scientific Under-9 award at the NZOWU dinner, recognising the best technique across all under-9 weight groups nationally.

The boys also excelled in their club's Going for Gold competition, which rewarded wrestlers who competed across four tournaments throughout the season. Ollie placed first for under-13s and Quinn second for under-9s in that competition. At their club's end-of-season prizegiving, Ollie received the Robertson Cup for attitude and excellence, while Quinn was awarded the prestigious John Grayling Memorial Trophy for the most outstanding wrestler.

Ollie and Quinn joined the Katikati Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Club about three years ago, following in the footsteps of their older sister Kaylie. Their mother Ange said the sport has taught them resilience. "It's definitely taught them to never give up," she said. With Quinn turning 10 in February, the brothers will soon be competing against each other — one to watch!

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).