Daniel’s looking for gold

Wrestler Daniel Panczyszyn

Wrestling:

OLDHAM wrestler Daniel Panczyszyn admits everything looks gold ahead of this year’s British Championships — after a timely cash boost saw his Olympic dream edge a step closer.

The 13-year-old Oasis Academy pupil has a busy month ahead with the English Championships and a trip to Belgium, where three-time Olympic champion Buvaisar Saitiev, of Russia, is also on the cards.

But it’s the British Championships in October that matter most to Daniel.

Having been invited back onto the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes initiative for a second year — and as a result received a £1,000 grant — the Poland-born grappler is convinced he can top the podium.

“I have some big competitions this month,” said Daniel.

“The English Championships are in Derbyshire next week. Then there is the tournament in Belgium the week after where Buvaisar Saitiev will be competing.

“Saitiev has won three gold medals at the Olympics and to be able to see him at the competition will be amazing.

“However, my main aim for the season is the British Championships in October, I am going for gold at that event.”

At his age, London 2012 will come far too soon for Daniel but while he’ll miss out on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of a home Games, that won’t disrupt his Olympic dream.

And after being treated to a day of expert tuition from the likes of Olympic triple jump gold medallist Jonathan Edwards at the Local Heroes launch day at Loughborough University, Panczyszyn admits it wouldn’t get any better than flying the British flag on the Olympic stage.

“We have been hearing about the Olympics and how to prepare yourself for a big event like that,” said Daniel.

“The Olympics is what this is all about so it was great to hear more about that, especially what the atmosphere is like.

“It is not the biggest event for just my sport but the biggest event in the world for every sport so it is very exciting to hear about it and have it in our country.

“I have never been to an Olympics before but through the scheme 70 of us will get the chance to be part of the torch relay which I hope I get to do.”