John da Silva is presented with his Olympic pin in 2009. Photo: Photosport
New Zealand former-wrestler and boxer John da Silva has died, aged 86.
Da Silva represented New Zealand in wrestling at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne and the 1958 British Empire Games in Cardiff.
The New Zealand Olympic Wrestling Union confirmed da Silva passed away at his Great Barrier Island Home surrounded by family on April 8th.
The heavyweight, who was also a skilled boxer, began his professional wrestling career in 1958 and went on to compete around the world.
He was invited by the late Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1963.
Da Silva also starred in the popular 1970's television wrestling TV show 'On the Mat' along with wrestlers Steve Rickard and Robert Bruce.
Following his retirement in 1977, da Silva went on to work with at-risk youth with the aim to support and rehabilitate troubled young people.
He was awarded the Queen's Service Medal in 1994 in recognition of his work in this area.
A stalwart of New Zealand wrestling, Brian Stannett, described da Silva as 'one of the better professional wrestlers of his generation'.
Da Silva also had a significant influence on his son, Garth, who went on to a career in combat sports representing New Zealand in heavyweight boxing at the Olympics and Commonwealth games.
-RNZ
