Harri and Vuokko Naskali

Harri and Vuokko have been together since 1983.  They were married 1986 and have two sons (9 and 13 years old and future armwrestlers…. beware Brzenk brothers).  Harri has been interested in Armwrestling since he was a schoolboy. Armwrestling wasalways the way to see who is the strongest. In 1990 the Finnish TV-channel (MTV3) organized the qualifications for the European Championship in Norway. Harri saw the advertisement about the competition and ask his cousin Jarmo Ruotsalainen to take part.  Jarmo was known at that time as one of "the strongest man" competitors.

 It was a big event and there were about 100 competitors. Everybody was sure they were the best because Armwrestling had been a National " hobby " in Finland for decades. After the event we had the Finland team ready to beat everybody.  The first surprise in Norway was that the competition table was a stand-up table.  In Finland all tables were sitting tables. The team had one day to learn and did so by watching the team from the Republic of Georgia practicing.  It didn’t look so easy! Anyway that was the start of professional Armwrestling in Finland.

 The Finnish Armwrestling Federation was established in 1991 and Harri was one of the first members on the executive committee and became President in 1992.

 Harri was also competing in the years 1990-1995, but soon became more interested in refereeing. Harri was practicing refereeing at the Worlds 1992 in Geneva and has been ever since. He was the referee at the Europeans, Worlds etc. Harri is now the head referee of Europe and member of the WAF`s referee panel. Harri appreciated all the information and knowledge that Mr David Shead has given him all these years.

 Harri and Vuokko have been involved with Armwrestling in Finland for over 10 years by supervising the National championships, the Scandinavian championships every 3-years  (Harri started these Scandinavian championships in year 1993), and by trying to get new people involved with our sport.  Armwrestlers in Finland are like "a big family" of Harri and Vuokko and they are often called " Mom and Dad.  Harri and Vuokko are usually the ones who give advice and help you if you are in trouble. They have taught the members of team Finland to always be a fair and straight competitor and accept a loss with the idea that the better competitor won. They have seen the great development of the Finnish armwrestlers over the years and have been always very proud of their team and their World/ European Champions.  Team Finland has been with Harri and Vuokko in every Worlds event since 1992 and most of the Europeans.  The team is sometimes very big (1994 Sweden, 2000 Finland) and sometimes very small. It’s always the money question because every competitor takes care of his or her own travelling costs.

 The Worlds Championship 2000 was organized by Harri and Vuokko and their friend Ilpo. It was a very difficult job but they managed to create a great championship in Rovaniemi, Lappland with a very friendly feeling for all the countries. Some may have memories of the one "sauna" evening.  It was the first time they held the big International tournament but the next time will be easier…. (Harri said after the Worlds 2000, that the next time would be in year 3000).

 Harri and Vuokko are feeling very happy and pleased with our sport because all armwrestlers around the world are like a big family and they have many good friends in Armwrestling. Sometimes you see some of your friends only once in the year but then it’s always time to celebrate.  Those who know Harri and Vuokko, know also that usually they are not the first ones to go to sleep…. Harri and Vuokko think that to see Armwrestling in the Olympics would be great but for now it seems like " A dream for the Future".

 The Worlds 2002 in Springfield was special for Harri and Vuokko; they got their first world champion in the men’s division (Topi Saaranluoma -60 kg), Finland was 4th with team points with quite a small team and they were very honored when they received the John Miazdzyk award which was given to them for the all work they have done for the sport of Armwrestling.

 Editors note:  The World of Armwrestling owes a great debt to Harri and Vuokko Naskali for their leadership and great contributions.  Thank you Harri and Vuokko!    
      
 

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