Wrestling
One of the oldest combat sports where opponents use throws, takedowns, pins, and other holds to attempt to gain and maintain a superior position.
Wrestling has been practised in Australia for a long time, although the history of organised competitions is not well known. Australia's first Olympic wrestling competitor competed at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games, and at least one Australian has competed at every Summer Olympic Games since. 1
Evolution:
- Australian Wrestling Union [?-2009
- Wrestling Australia [2009-]
Participation
An estimated 8,000 Australians [aged 15+] participated in wrestling at least once in 2024. 2
An estimated 1,000 Australian children [aged 0-14] participated in wrestling at least once in 2024. 2
An estimated 500 Australian women [aged 15+] and an estimated 7,500 Australian men [aged 15+] participated in wrestling at least once in 2024. 2
Explore further participation statistics for wrestling through the AusPlay online portal., opens in a new tab
Governing body
Wrestling Australia, opens in a new tab is the peak organisation recognised by government at all levels as the National and international controlling body for the sport of wrestling in Australia. 3
REFERENCES
- History of Wrestling, opens in a new tab, Wrestling Australia, (accessed 17 December 2025).
- AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 15 October 2025).
- About,, opens in a new tab Wrestling Australia, (accessed 17 December 2025).
Documents
The Clearinghouse for Sport has sought permission from relevant organisations for the inclusion of their documents in this archive. Copyright ownership remains vested with the organisation and as such permission from the copyright owner should be sought if you wish to communicate, adapt or reproduce these documents.
- Australian Wrestling Union Annual Report 2007-2008[PDF • 4.58 mb]
- Australian Wrestling Union Annual Report 2006-2007[PDF • 500.62 kb]
- Australian Wrestling Union Annual Report 2006[PDF • 702.97 kb]
- Australian Wrestling Union Annual Report 2005[PDF • 100.86 kb]
- Wrestling Australia Strategic Plan 2023-2025[PDF • 5.55 mb]
- Wrestling Australia Strategic Plan 2019-2023[PDF • 197.98 kb]
- Wrestling Australia Strategic Plan 2015-2019[PDF • 1.19 mb]
