Biography
Jim Downey represented New Zealand in the light-heavyweight (90kg) division at the 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games.
Downey was an experienced wrestler by 1974 – fighting for Waikato, he won the New Zealand middleweight (82kg) title in 1966 and the heavyweight title in 1971 and 1972, by which time he was representing Bay of Plenty. In 1966, he won the H M Allan Cup for the most scientific wrestler at the national championships.
As with all the wrestling in Christchurch, the light-heavyweight field was small – just four competitors.
The Bay of Plenty man was unable to bring the spectators at Christchurch Town Hall much joy – in his first bout, he lost to eventual bronze medallist Maurice Allan of Scotland by a fall after 4min 46s.
In his next bout, Downey was outfought by Indian Netra Pal, who went on to earn the silver medal, and lost by a fall after 2min 44s.
athlete
Fast facts
- Sport
- Wrestling - Freestyle
