Chance Willis selected in Australian national team for Oceania Champs

A Darwin-based wrestler has earnt himself a call up to the national side following an outstanding performance. Read about the rising talent here.

Darwin wrestler Chance Willis (back-row, second from left) has booked his ticket to the 2024 Oceania championships in Guam. Picture: Contributed.

Chance Willis is at the top of his game and is only getting started.

With just three years in the game, the rising talent has quickly ascended to the top of his class in the highly competitive world of freestyle wrestling.

Recently earning selection into the national side, Willis took out first place at the national trials down in Canberra.

“It was a tough competition and there were some really great athletes competing,” Willis said.

“The event was a one-day competition and I had two matches, where I won both.

“I wasn’t told right away that I’d made the team, and I had to wait for an email that didn’t come for a few days.

“But when I read it and it said I’d made the team, I was literally jumping up and down with excitement.”

Chance Willis during a training drill. Picture: Contributed.

Fighting out of the Darwin Wrestling Club, the 19-year-old will ply his trade at the

United World Wrestling’s 2024 Oceania Championships in Guam, 26 January.

And despite starting wrestling as a 15-year-old, the fighter quickly found success off the back of his dogged determination, his drive to be successful and his American Collegiate coach.

“The time I put into wrestling, the commitment I have and drive to be the best have really helped me get to where I am,” he said.

“I train twice a day on the weekend and once every other day during the week.

“And when my mates want to go out, I often have to stop myself because I know that looking after my health and not slacking off is what will make me have success.

“And my coach Cody (Bush) has been a massive reason for my success.

“He was ranked third in the States and has taught me so much.”

Not just content with Oceania, the wrestler has his sights firmly set on the big time.

“The end goal is to represent the country at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games,” Willis said.

“I’m a big fan of MMA and I’d love to eventually transition into that, like UFC or Bellator, and I also do jiu-jitsu, so those two together are a great base for MMA.”