Arm-wrestlers from across the country gathered for the National Arm-Wrestling Challenge hosted at Kwanyoni Lodge on Saturday.

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The best of the best competed to conquer 12 weight divisions in the categories of male, female, senior, junior and masters.

First up were the ladies, who started the day off by using their left arms, as did the men. The local club arm victors were well represented, with at least 20 participants testing their mettle for the region.

As expected, local arm-wrestling sensation, Raymond Koen, currently ranked first in the u/80 and u/90 kilogram nationally, was the cream of the crop. He was unbeaten in the u/90 and also took the spoils in the u/100-kilogram class, with both his left and right arms.

An amount of R1 000 was up for grabs for any member of the public who beat one of the experienced arm-wrestlers. The cash was claimed by Gerhard Taljaard, who ended first in the u/90-kilogram men’s division, using his left arm.
Participants from the Free State were there for one reason and one reason only: to make their presence known.

Especially Liandi Koorsen from Cheetah Arms Bloemfontein, who did not give contenders any chance of beating her in the 70 kilograms and above section. Tobi Knot from Ladybrand won the u/70-kilogram category seemingly effortlessly.

As expected, SA open class champion, Terence Opperman, known for his ambidextrous iron grip, cleaned out the u/110 and over 110-kilogram divisions, with his left and right arms.

The challenge served as preparation for the national championships in July, the most prestigious annual arm-wrestling event under the banner of the South African Arm-Wrestling Federation (SAAWF).

It was also an opportunity for the SAAWF and the Arm-Wrestling Association of South Africa to unite under the International Federation of Arm-Wrestling. Those who qualify at nationals will head to the world championships in Florida later this year.