Rattigan hoping for third time lucky after Team England Commonwealth wrestling selection

England has a strong record in wrestling at the Commonwealth Games, and have won a total of 63 medals to date, though only five of those have been golds.

That's a figure Rattigan, who claimed bronze at both Delhi 2010 and Glasgow 2014, is certainly looking to address in his bid to rewrite the English wrestling history books.

He said: "It feels great to be selected, I'm really proud to be part of Team England once again.

"Back in Delhi I was one of the youngest on the team and now I'm more of a veteran, hopefully I can give the team some advice and use my experience to help everyone perform to their best. "I'm looking to create my own little piece of history by winning a medal at a third consecutive Commonwealth Games, something no English wrestler has done before and this time I'm aiming for the gold.

"It would be nice to get a different colour medal, other than bronze!"

Making up the rest of the team is George Ramm, who will be attending his second Commonwealth Games after coming seventh in Glasgow, and three debutants – Charlie Bowling, Syerus Eslami and Georgina Nelthorpe.

But for Nelthorpe, British silver medallist last year, this trip to Gold Coast will have more new experiences than just her first Games as she eyes up a piece of history.

"It was unreal to be selected, I'm super proud to be on the team," said the 21-year-old.

"I haven't been to Australia before so it will be a unique experience for me and the competition will be of a really high standard.

"I can't wait to be part of Team England and to get to know all of the other athletes and their sports.

"I definitely want to go for the gold and be the first English female ever to win a Commonwealth gold medal in wrestling, but whatever happens the Games are going to be a really great experience."

Sportsbeat 2018