England wrestler Leon Rattigan has revealed that words of wisdom he received from his wife before this evening's men's 97kg freestyle bronze-medal match spurred him on to victory.
The British number one was defeated by Satywart Kadian earlier today to end his hopes of a gold medal, but he bounced back from disappointment to win bronze against Soso Tamarau.
Ahead of his fight, wife Yana Rattigan, who herself won a wrestling medal last night, gave the 2010 bronze medallist some guidance.
"The advice from Yana was to leave everything out there – leave your heart on the mat were her words of wisdom," Rattigan said. "To become a medallist at two Games is an amazing achievement – it's even better because five months ago I tore my Achilles and the surgeon said I wasn't even supposed to make it to the Games.
"Even the England doctors said I healed really fast, so I'm really happy with the results. When I won a medal in India, the crowd were cheering on the Indian wrestlers so I had to work against that. But here I felt the love and support. It was absolutely outstanding to win a medal – I was wrestling off pure adrenaline."
Rattigan won the encounter 12-2 at the SECC.
Daniel Lewis
