A FORMER Hertswood School student has been recognised as one of Britian's rising talents in the theatrical world of professional wrestling.

Chris Gladden, 24, of Stretton Way, was crowned the Academy Champion of one of the country's top promotions, LDN Wrestling, at an event in Chingford on Sunday.

The high flying performer, who goes by the stage name Chris St Clair, said it was an emotional moment.

Chris, who works as a television editing assistant, said: “I picked up a really bad injury when I was 17, which tore the ligaments in my knee, and was told by the doctors to never wrestle again.”

However, the 24-year-old was determined to compete in the "sports entertainment" industry and after a six-year hiatus started to retrain.

He added: “It was quite over-whelming, after having such a long time out, to finally get that recognition from the promotion and other wrestlers – it was quite emotional.”

Performing in front of more than 100 people, Chris was supported by friends and family on the day.

Asked what his peers think of his interest, he said: “They've all been very supportive. Even the people who don't like wrestling have come to watch the shows and been impressed by the physical element.”

Chris, who performs as a good guy, known in the business as a "face", has also learned to love the theatrical side of the entertainment.

The Borehamwood resident, who trains in the gym five times a week, said: “When I first started it was all about the physical side, but when you get out there and you get the crowd going it is great.

“Some wrestlers can get the audience eating out of the palm of their hands and spend more time performing than they do wrestling.”

Explaining his attraction to pro-wrestling, the 5ft 7in tall wrestler said: “The buzz of being in the ring, especially when the whole crowd is cheering or when you hit a big move and they go wild, you can't beat it.”

Having won the championship on Sunday, Chris is now setting his sights high on climbing the ranks of the wrestling scene.

He said his dream would be to perform in the United States, with a company such as World Wrestling Entertainment, but first he wants to build a reputation for himself in Britain.

Chris, whose favourite performer is legendary American wrestler Ric Flair, has been training at LDN Wrestling's academy in Totteridge for the past year-and-a-half. He is due to sign a contract with the company to become a regular performer.

For more information on Chris' upcoming shows, visit www.ldnwrestling.com.