New Zealand Olympic Wrestling is proud to announce the election of Mark Grayling as its new President. Mark brings with him decades of experience as a wrestler, coach, and leader in the sport, with a career that spans grassroots development through to the Olympic Games.

Mark first discovered wrestling at age 14, when Andy Roche established a club in his hometown of Katikati. Just three years later, he embarked on his first international wrestling trip, competing in the United States, Canada, and Hawaii. The experience lit a fire that saw him return annually for the next three years.

At just 19, Mark stepped into coaching, leading a Junior B team at the Oceania Championships in Auckland and completing a FILA Coaches Course. By 22, he was already coaching a New Zealand Junior team on tour in the USA.

In 2006, Mark founded the Mount Maunganui Academy of Wrestling, a club that has since become a powerhouse in New Zealand wrestling. Under his leadership, the club has dominated the national stage, winning Overall Champion Club at the National Championships in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Mark’s coaching résumé is among the most impressive in New Zealand wrestling history. He was appointed National Coach in 2009 and has since coached Kiwi wrestlers across all five Olympic continents. He has served as Head Coach at three Senior World Championships, as well as at the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where he worked alongside Trevor Shailer and the wider New Zealand Olympic team.

His international coaching highlights also include leading New Zealand Junior and Secondary Schools teams in the USA, India, and Australia, including the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games in India.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership and results, Mark was named New Zealand Wrestling Coach of the Year in both 2022 and 2023.

Alongside his coaching, Mark has played a key role in wrestling governance, serving as a National Selector for many years and most recently as Director of Technical on the NZ Wrestling Board in 2023 and 2024.

With his election as President, Mark Grayling brings a unique blend of on-the-mat experience, international expertise, and proven leadership. His vision is set to guide New Zealand wrestling into a new era, building on a lifetime dedicated to the sport.

Article added: Monday 01 September 2025