27-04-2025
Glasgow champion pays tribute to ‘one of a kind' mentor
John Taylor competed for the last time at the European Celtic Wrestling Championships in Brittany, France, where he was victorious in the 100kg seniors category.
He was determined to honour his former mentor William Baxter, who died in 2023.
The coach left behind a legacy in the sport that included coaching and management roles with the British Olympic amateur wrestling team at the 1968 and 1972 games.
William Baxter, right, was involved in a number of different roles within the Scottish amateur wrestling scene (Image: Richard Findlay) John, who was coached by the 88-year-old on and off from the age of eight, was keen to pay tribute to the man who "kept him out of trouble" during his younger years.
He said: "After attending William's funeral, I was inspired to do one last tournament in his memory.
"At that point, I had not wrestled for 13 years but competed in the British Heavyweight Championships and finished fourth.
"Then, last year, I knuckled down and lost over two stone and have ended up back on the circuit competing, which has been great.
"I have tried my best to honour William, who had a positive impact on everyone he met.
"To win on the European stage in my last bout is something I will never forget."
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John Taylor competed in his final amateur wrestling match (Image: Richard Findlay) John, who is originally from Yoker, talks fondly of his time training with the man affectionately known as 'Wullie' among students and friends.
He insists that it was very much a family atmosphere when preparing and also going to tournaments, particularly abroad.
John continued: "I first met William aged nine at a tournament in Yoker Sports Centre.
"He stuck out straight away, as he was wearing a bright-coloured kilt.
"That attire was a staple of his personality, he loved being photographed.
"William really was one of a kind.
"Every tournament in Britain would involve us jumping into the back of a tiny van and he took us all across the country.
"William was such a knowledgeable guy and an incredible coach, any question that you ever had about amateur wrestling, he would be able to answer it."
John and William remained close up until the latter passed away (Image: Richard Findlay) John also opened up on what gave him an extra edge when competing in the tournament last weekend.
He added: "It was a dream to win my final match on the European stage.
"I wasn't wrestling my opponent alone, as Wullie was out there with me and that made things a lot easier.
"I took Wullie's tartan scarf with me and put it on the mat before every bout and I think that gave me an edge.
"It was my last big hurrah and I hope I did Wullie proud."
