Welcome to The Art of Wrestling.
This book is an invitation to look beyond the surface of a demanding sport and into the heart of a unique community. The images within capture the athletes of the Sydney Silverbacks, a club dedicated to the intense, dynamic discipline of Olympic Freestyle wrestling.
The Sydney Silverbacks have a rich history, evolving from the Harbour Wrestling Club in 1993 into the vibrant, community-led organisation it is today.
But this is more than a wrestling club.
It is a nationally registered, not-for-profit home—a gender-inclusive, LGBTQIA+, and straight-friendly space where everyone is welcome. The Silverbacks carry a vibrant queer legacy, proudly participating in events from the Sydney Mardi Gras to the Gay Games, all while fostering a culture of inclusion, acceptance, and mutual support.
Photographers:Â
Alex Newman
Brenton Parry
Cain Cooper
Chico Molina
Claudia Sagripanti
Daniel Jackson
Daniel Jacobs
Greg Chilton
Jason Nichol
Jeffrey Feng
Justin Mackintosh
Karthik Jagannathan
Mark Martirez
Michael August
Michael Lynch
Michael Oelofse
Nafizur Rahim
Nigel Smith
Peter Hanna
Ricardo Ochoa
Robert Knapman
Rod Spark
Scott Finneran
Serkan Tuncay
Simonology
Stephanie Foliola
Stephen Godbee
Travis de Jonk
