WRESTLING: Australian wrestler Hamish Adam says the Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF) is the most exciting event he has ever taken part in.

The 16-year-old athlete is part of the 10-person Australian wrestling team competing at the AYOF.

"I've never been to a competition as big as this before," Adam said. "Going to the Youth Olympic Festival is my biggest achievement in wrestling, that's why I'm so excited for it to start!"

Adam said it's not only the excitement of the multi-sport event, but also the chance to test himself against others, which makes the AYOF so great.

"My plan is to try my absolute hardest in the competition," he said. "I'm aiming to get a good place."

Adam spent last week with the wrestling team at a training camp in Adelaide. He said it was a good way to get to know everyone and prepare for the AYOF.

Adam trains twice a week for wrestling, but it's only half of his love affair with sport. He is also a keen weightlifter, training four times a week.

The New South Wales student finds it hard to balance school and training, but believes it's all worth it.

"I'm going into year 10 this year and it's hard with all the training, but I really like it."

His mum, Vicky Dallas-Adam, said the international aspect of the competition was something her son had never witnessed before.

"It's his first taste of competing on the international level," she said. "It's a once in the lifetime thing."

Wrestling will be held on the final day of the AYOF, on Sunday 20 January.

Annie Kearney

Olympics.com.au