A TRIO of Bolton wrestlers have been picked to represent Team England at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Charlie Bowling, who was a bronze medallist four years ago at the Gold Coast Games in Australia, joins George Ramm and Kelsey Barnes in the wrestling team heading to the Midlands in the summer.

Bowling will be looking to add to his success in front of a home crowd at the Games, while Ramm is attending his third Commonwealth Games having made his debut in 2014, and finishing fourth at the Gold Coast.

Following victory at the Helsinki Open in 2018, 20-year-old Barnes has held her own at the highest level, finishing 10th at the 2022 Senior Under-23 European Championships

She said: “I’m very excited to be attending my first multi-sport Games.

“I’m looking forward to competing for Team England in Birmingham and having all of my friends and family there to support me too.”

The freestyle wrestling event will take place on August 5-6 at Coventry Stadium and Indoor Arena, where competitors will compete across a range of different weight categories.

Team England’s Chef de Mission, Mark England OBE, welcomed the athletes to the team and said: “There’s some fantastic experience among these athletes nominated with former Commonwealth medallists putting the squad in a great position heading into a home Games.

“I look forward to seeing some standout performances on the mat in Coventry.”

Craig Anthony, CEO of British Wrestling, said: “Preparations are well under way and the team will be in a great position to make the most of the home games atmosphere.