All at Commonwealth Games Scotland are saddened to hear of the sudden passing of double Commonwealth Games Wrestling bronze medallist Graeme English last week at the age of 56.
Graeme, from East Kilbride, died suddenly in the early hours of Thursday 18 February, from a pulmonary embolism.
He took Commonwealth Games bronze at the home Games of Edinburgh 1986 and repeated this success in Victoria, Canada, in 1994. Also an Olympian he finished 9th at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and won multiple British senior titles.
Before his Games success, he was a gymnast coached by his father Pat and turned to wrestling after suffering an ankle injury which ended his gymnastics career. Coached by Michael Cavanagh at East Kilbride Wrestling Club, he quickly excelled in the sport, winning the first of his Commonwealth Games medals within 18 months.
Following his competitive career he turned to coaching, which he continued until a few years ago, his son Brandon following him into wrestling.
Past Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland and Graeme’s former coach Michael Cavanagh OBE said: “Graeme joined the club in East Kilbride at the beginning of 1985 and, within 18 months had won a bronze medal at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. He was the most talented, hardworking wrestler I’ve ever coached, and an amazing competitor on the mat. So sad that he’s gone so young. Rest in peace Graeme.”
Graeme leaves behind sons Jordan and Ryan, Brandon and Adam, and step-daughter Robyn. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time.