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Hi Harold, How long have you been
armwrestling?
I started in the sport in April 2000 .
How did you get started?
At a local fair they were holding an armwrestling
competition that I noticed in the paper. I always thought I was pretty
good at armwrestling. In High School I would always beat everyone, even
the school teachers so I thought I would stand a chance if I entered. It
turns out I had an accident shortly before in which I broke my left wrist and
crushed my left hand which made it difficult to hold onto the peg. I
lost my first match thinking I am out of my league. Working my way up
the B side I went undefeated only to lose to the guy that I had lost my first
match too. I ended up taking 2nd place in the tournament and was
confronted by the director who said I had talent and invited me to the Iowa
State Championships. At the Iowa State Championships, without
any training, I was blessed to take home 4th.
What Happened?
I entered the 80kg right handed class. Not
having a clue what armwrestling was all about I was beating some really good
armwrestlers. Some of them were from Team Minnesota whom were very
respected in their classes. I ended up getting in contact with Jason Remer and
Rett Houdek and was asked to join in their training once a week. They
taught me at a rapid rate how to become a decent armwrestler and about techniques of the sport.
What have you done since then?
I have won numerous titles throughout the Midwest
until I moved to the West Coast of California where I took first place in the
80kg right handed in Petaluma Amateur World Championships. That is when
I decided to pull the pros.
What exactly have you won all over the
world?
Being so new to the sport... I have not come close
to the titles I intend to win. I have won the right handed 80kg
California State Title as well as the left handed 75kg and taken 2nd place in
the Unified Nationals which qualified me to represent Team USA at the World
Championships where I took 8th place.
Armwrestling Workouts?
My workouts consist of plenty of one arm pull-ups,
rope climbing, sit-ups, and lots of table time. Just for fun, sometimes
I pick up the kids and use them as my hammer curls...lol
Recommendations for new armwrestlers.
Find a good group of armwrestlers to train with.
Stay committed. Find what works best with your style and definitely train on your weak spots. Get a hold of as many armwrestling videos as
you can and study them. Watch competitors speed, styles, stances, etc...
How did "Pullers For Christ" get
started?
My wife and I were youth group leaders at our
church in Minnesota when I first got interested in the sport. After many
months of praying I felt the Lord leading me in a new direction. After a
year or so as youth group leader I felt the Lord called me to the sport of
armwrestling. He showed me I had a talent that I shouldn't waste and to
use it for His glory. I asked the Lord to show me if this was really his
will and I turned to the Scriptures. The first page I turned to revealed
his answer which was Psalm 18:34... He trains my hands for battle; my arms can
bend a bow of bronze. I believe the Lord has put me in the sport to
share the love of Christ. I have spoken at youth groups about using your
talents for the Lord and how they can do anything through Christ who gives
them strength. I want to be there for anyone who needs prayer, has
questions, wants to share anything or problem they have confidentially.
I am here to help my fellow brothers and sisters. I have been asked to
pray before tournaments and for individuals before matches. I am just a
servant of the Lord and I try to be as humble as I can but Lord knows I am not
perfect, none of us are.
What was your most memorable match?
I have two most memorable matches. First
would be against a Russian at the USA World Championships 2002. We
slipped and ended up in the strap. We ended up in a hook which was where
all his power is and fought back and forth for a good 2 minutes or so. I
tried every move I had to beat him and at times I thought I had a chance to
win. He was more determined than I was so he went home with the win.
Second most memorable match was recently at the
California State Open Pro/Am with Bob Brown who I always have admired as a
great armwrestler. First match of the night was between us, we ended up
in the strap and were both stale mate for a good 20 seconds until I hit him
with unexpected side pressure sending him to the pad for the win. This
was one of my best moments in armwrestling. (Thanks Bob)
To all the armwrestlers, Thanks for all
the good times and God Bless,
Welcome to Harold and his organization "Pullers for Christ" as the newest member of United States ArmSports. Thanks Harold. Dave Devoto |
ARMWRESTLING.COM- Dave Devoto (707) 537-7373 incorporated in any information retrieval system without written permission of the Publisher.
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