Wrestling Heritage welcomes your memories
Golden memories for Heritage reader Jannie Eloff. Whilst most Heritage readers dreamed of wrestling Jannie was one of the few that actually lived the dream.
Jannie, just 77 years old as he joins our Heritage pages in October, 2016, was a celebrated amateur wrestler in South Africa half a century ago. He would have been a contender for the South African wrestling team in the 1962 Olympic Games had the country not been barred as a consequence of the Government’s apartheid policies.
Jannie was South African flyweight champion not once but for seven consecutive years from 1956 until 1962. Yet this was only part of his achievements.
He earned Springbok colours in 1962/1963 when a German team toured South Africa.
Possibly the highlight of his illustrious career was visiting Toledo, USA, where he took part in the World Championships in June, 1962. The tournament was held at the University of Toledo and Jan competed in the 114.5 pounds class in which the defending champion was Ali Aliev of the Soviet Union.
At the time of entry Jannie currently enjoys life on his farm in South Africa. Long may he continue to do so.
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