Wrestler turns 82
Alberton resident and former wrestling champion Willie van der Walt celebrated his 82th birthday on Wednesday, June 3.
ALBERTON – Alberton resident and former wrestling champion Willie van der Walt celebrated his 82th birthday on Wednesday, June 3.
Willie and his twin brother Chris were the first amateur wrestlers to compete in the same weight class at the same time in the 50s and 60s.
The twin brothers were born in Phillipolis in the Free State in 1933. The family then moved to Bloemfontein where they were raised. It was in 1958 when the twins parted ways. Chris remained in Bloemfontein but Willie moved around the country before settling in Kempton Park for 18 years. Then he found his way to Alberton where he has been a resident for four years.
Willie wrestled until 1973 when his knee was injured. He estimates that he has fought over 1 000 fights in his 20 year career. Some of the wrestling greats he has faced are Mannie Maritz, Tarzan Jacobs, and Albert “Rocky” Wall. After the injury ended Willie’s wrestling career, he operated as a promoter for other fighters for a number of years.
