By Christopher Sinclair

Since Norfolk’s earliest days, the people who live here have possessed both mental and physical fortitude, and are not quick to shy away from hard work. Joel Webster, native Norfolkian, has displayed an exceptional degree of grit and determination that would make any Norfolk resident proud, in the pursuit of his lifelong dream to compete as a wrestler in the Olympic games.

Webster, now 28, attended NWR7 and amassed an impressive array of wrestling titles, including three state championships, a state open championship, and two appearances at the all-New England meet, where he placed each time. After high school, Webster went on to wrestle in Division I at Edinboro University, where he was a two-year starter. When asked about his enduring love of wrestling, Webster said “wrestling has been a passion of mine ever since I started. I always wanted to continue taking my wrestling to the next level all the way through my career.” The Olympic dream is something that Webster says he has been working toward for his “whole life”.

A typical day of training in pursuit of this dream is a brutal gauntlet of one conditioning or strength-training session after another at the Ohio Regional Training Center in Columbus, Ohio. Webster puts in 11-12 workouts per week, and spends much of his time between workouts “rehabbing, stretching, and preparing for the next workout.” Webster commented on the physical toll of training, saying that, at this level of competition, “I am required to give it my all. This puts a lot of stress on my body. Constant rehab and recuperation are required to be able to train at such a high level.”

What is perhaps most remarkable about this regimen is that Webster is able to continue it after suffering what could have been a career-ending injury. Two years ago, while training for the U.S. Open competition, Webster tore the ACL in his right knee, as well as the meniscus in both his right and left knees. Upon visiting the doctor, he found that he would need additional work done on labral tears in each of his hips. Webster recalled the meeting, saying “When I first talked to the doctor and he had explained to me all that I needed to have done, it brought up a big question as to whether I would be able to compete back at a high level, or whether it was worth the effort.”  It didn’t take Webster long to make up his mind.  “I decided to commit to my dream and I am happy with the decision.”

Webster went on to say that it was never a question of desire so much as a question of finance and resources, as competing at the highest levels of freestyle wrestling doesn’t come with the wealth and acclaim that are afforded to athletes in other sports. To this end Webster has started a “gofundme” site, through which he hopes to receive support to keep his dream alive and his journey on track. The medical expenses in the wake of his injury were significant, and even though Webster worked multiple jobs, he says that the ordeal left him with “very little to save up to train at the highest level.” Joel’s gofundme URL is http://www.gofundme.com/qc4qgw, or checks made out to “USAWCT (for Joel Webster)” can be sent to USA Wrestling Connecticut (non-profit) at: Sarah Jadach, 20 Lakeview Terr., Derby, CT 06418. All donations go toward expenses for training and travelling to tournaments.

In addition to financial support, Webster commented repeatedly on the invaluable importance of the support of his family and loved ones. Webster’s wife, who is currently pregnant with twins (“future wrestlers!!” he said emphatically), helps keep him on time for practice, aids in stretching and rehab routines, and is incredibly supportive of his pursuit. Of his father, Norfolk’s Tim Webster, Webster said, “as a kid, my dad drove me all over to attend practices and tournaments” and helped him to take advantage of “every opportunity.”

The road to the Olympics starts with qualifying for the Olympic team trials. This can be earned at one of the various qualifying tournaments or by placing in the top 8 at the US Open in Las Vegas, where Webster is scheduled to compete May 5-9. Next, wrestlers who qualify  compete at the team trials to earn an Olympic team spot.

Webster concluded by saying that he wants “to represent Norfolk, CT, and Connecticut wrestling on the national and world stage. My ultimate hope is to bring home some medals and help to inspire and to train other kids who are in my position in Connecticut.” Norfolk will most certainly be cheering, and the town hopes to see Joel on his sport’s biggest stage in two years time in Rio.