The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

GLASGOW, Scotland — Before he could get a grip of his opponent, Gerald Meyer from the Republic of South Africa, Rashji Mackey found himself pinned on the mat in his men’s 75 kilogram weight class on Tuesday.

His journey to the 20th Commonwealth Games ended abruptly in 45 seconds in the first round.

“The guy was just a little more stronger and more experienced, but it was an awesome experience for me,” said Mackey of just being able to make his debut in an international event for the Bahamas.

The 28-year-old who came from a karate background under his uncle, Sensei George Brennen, and has actually only been wrestling for eight years, admitted that he needed to get a lot more stronger because when Meyer took control of the match, there wasn’t anything he could do to counteract him.

“It was a rush,” said Mackey of his quick exit at the SECC Hall. “I really don’t know what to say. I didn’t expect it. I came out there with a lot of confidence and I was sure I was going to win, but I just don’t know what happened.

“I know I blocked him, but I guess I don’t know what happened when he got the take down. I was trying to get off the ground, but I guess he had me down too deep.”

His coach Clarence Rolle, the president of the Bahamas Wrestling Federation, said it was a disappointing outing.

“We travelled a long way not to get out of the round of 16,” he said. “Our wrestlers always seem to start off slow and that is a problem. So we can’t wait to get in the flow of the match. Obviously, we have to attack because our opponents are attacking. We have to match that.”

Despite the loss, Mackey said he learned a lot and he just has to go out there in the future and do his best. “We’re going to go home and look at what I didn’t do and practice,” Mackey said.

Rolle, who also serves as a vice president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, said the Bahamas has the talent in wrestling to compete at this level. “But I think the two wrestlers that we have, Rashji and the South African, we have to find a way to get them a lot more exposure by allowing them to compete in more international meets before they come to events like these.”

Mackey, a coach for youth wrestlers, is looking forward to returning to the games to improve on his performance.