Reigning arm wrestling champ to compete in Turkey
Witblitz is currently the seven time reigning arm wrestling champion in South Africa in his weight category (90kg), and is fourth in the country overall.
SECUNDA – Ryno (Witblitz) Oosthuizen will take on the best arm wrestlers at the world championships in Antalya, Turkey from 11 October to 21 October where over 1 500 contestants from 32 countries will participate.
Frans Sas Keyter will be representing South Africa in the 100kg category. The newspaper sat down with Ryno to find out how he qualified and prepared for the event.
Witblitz is 32 years old and is married to his wife, Ms Narisca Oosthuizen, whose name you can find tattooed on his chest.
After entering an arm wrestling competition in 2004 for fun, he won and was advised to take up the sport professionally.
He hasn’t looked back since.
Witblitz is currently the seven time reigning arm wrestling champion in South Africa in his weight category (90kg), and is fourth in the country overall.
As the president of the South African Arm Wrestling Federation, the highlight of his career, Witblitz has the task of looking after and growing the sport.
The task of painting the sport in a good light rests on his shoulders and he takes it seriously.
Do not be fooled by his slender appearance, he packs the strength, power and techniques necessary to take on his opponents.
When asked if he has been challenged by amateurs, he said he turns them down because injuries can take place.
Witblitz, the name given to him by fans because of how fast he takes his opponents down, has been to three world championships where he was placed 12th in England, 11th in Italy and 7th in Malaysia last year.
His goal is to be in the top five this year.
The trip to the championships is a costly undertaking.
With the assistance from Mr Adrian Leahy from Supa Quick, who sponsored his airline ticket, Witblitz still has to pay for his accommodation, as well as his attire which he is willing to brand for businesses.
If there is anyone interested in sponsoring and backing him on his journey to becoming a champion, contact the Ridge Times for information at 017 634 7728.
“Come and see the sport, it is for the whole family. Anyone from the age of 11 years can participate. Discipline is taught and sportsmanship is key,” said Witblitz.
