After nearly a decade away from the sport he fell in love with, Mundijong-based wrestler Mitchell Skeaf was back on the competitive scene and straight onto the podium.
Skeaf first tried wrestling nine years ago but went on a hiatus after just a few months for work.
Last November, Skeaf made a comeback at the 2025 United for Wrestling (UFW) meet.
The final round pitted him against his own clubmate Marko Nesic, with Skeaf earning a hard-fought silver medal.
For Skeaf, the result was more than just a medal.
It was proof he still had the strength to fight despite the interruptions from work and life.
“I’ve always had a background in sports,” he said.
Before wrestling, Skeaf was chasing a dream in the United States on a college basketball scholarship.
But a series of injuries cut his stint short, sending him back home.
“I did Muay Thai for about four years (after),” he said.
“Once I saw wrestling and did one session, that was it. I never went back.”
Skeaf began driving road trains for work, often spending extended periods of time away from home.
Training slipped into the background while family responsibilities came first.
“Life gets in the way. I had all the kids and other things happened,” he said.
“But I’ve always thought, ‘I’ve got to get myself into a position where I can do wrestling again’.
“Now I’m financially in the position to do it.”
His renewed commitment meant enduring an hour-long drive to Balcatta to train with Wolves Wrestling Club founder and coach Adrian Tesanovic.
Tesanovic, who founded the club 18 years ago, said he saw something in Skeaf.
Tesanovic couldn’t let go of Skeaf’s potential and encouraged him to compete.
“You’ll surprise yourself,” Tesanovic told Skeaf.
“And it’s very interesting, actually. His opponent (Marko Nesic) told me, ‘coach, did you know he’s physically stronger than me?’”
Skeaf had only been back in training for a few months before he committed to the UFW competition.
“I decided if I’m going to do this, I’ve just got to sign up and go,” he said.
“I was running every night, trying to pack in as much as I could.”
During his match against Nesic, Skeaf said he was focused on enjoying the sport while also avoiding injury.
“Obviously, I wanted to win, but I knew my fitness wasn’t going to be at that level,” he said.
“I’m not good at many things, but I’m good at lifting heavy things.
“My strength has always been there. This is why I’m back.”
For Tesanovic, Skeaf’s comeback was just the beginning.
“We’d like to see him compete more next year. To try and win one of the national titles,” he said.
Skeaf hopes his future in the sport won’t just be his alone.
“I want to do as many competitions as I can,” he said.
“And hopefully get my daughter into it more as well.
“If I can make it work so we can both do it, that would be excellent.”
