College student, Harvey Ridings has been selected for England’s long list for the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

The 17 year old wrestler is one of only 25 from over 60 nominations to be shortlisted. Harvey will now be expected to progress and develop throughout the Games preparation period in training camps and has a strong chance to make the full team.

The former St John Fisher Catholic High School pupil competes in the 57kg category and represents Aspull Warriors Wrestling Club.

“I was delighted to hear I’d been selected as I know I have worked hard for it so it was a great feeling knowing the work is paying off,” Harvey said.

Harvey studies BTEC Level 3 Business at the College and has future ambitions to use those skills to open up his own business in the future and has ideas to own a gym.

But his primary focus is getting as far as he can in wrestling. The eight time GB national champion trains six to seven days a week and has represented Great Britain since he was 12.

In 2019 he represented his country at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan and has his sights aimed high.

He added: “I want to get as far as I can, so that means concentrating on my training but long term I’m aiming to get a Gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. I also aim to get a medal in a future world or European championships.”