NEWTOWN wrestler Damion Arzu admits the past 12 months of his life has been a whirlwind.
The 27-year-old has come from nowhere to become Welsh No1 and insists the tutelage of Welsh coaches Alan and Sue Jones from Llanfyllin is making all the difference.
“Just last January (2009) I had not even thought about the sport,” said Arzu. “I was happy enough playing football for Abermule on a weekend.
“One day I went along to watch my younger brother Jordan wrestle and after speaking to Alan and Sue I thought I’d give it a go.
“Straight away Alan insisted that I would have a shout at getting into the Welsh squad and they have done everything they can to ensure the team is totally prepared and focused in Delhi.”
However Arzu remains tightlipped on his goals but insists a medal would represent a dream come true - both for himself and his supportive team of coaches.
“Wales are new to wrestling and this games represents the fist time we have had a team,” said Arzu. “However training has gone well and we have enjoyed some successful training camps so I am heading out aiming for a medal.
“Any colour medal would be fantastic, but bronze is the least you should be aiming for.
“We must be realistic though because a lot of other teams will be more experienced, none more so than the Indians who will be favourites on home soil.”
As for the future Arzu hopes to continue his development and attempt to stay on top of his game for the next Commonwealth Games in Scotland in 2014.
“I am enjoying the sport and definitely want to carry on after the Delhi Games,” said Arzu. “Glasgow is four years away and that would be my next goal.”
Meanwhile Arzu also praised brother Jordan for getting him involved in the sport.
“Jordan and the rest of the family are chuffed to bits and my aim is to do myself and everyone else proud in India.”