Two Creston Valley arm wrestlers placed in the Canadian Arm Wrestling Federation championships on July 1, when Adam Koenig earned third place with both arms in the 75 kg category, and Darryl Johnson did the same in the 65 kg category.
It was Koenig’s second time at the nationals, having competed without placing in 2010, and his skill kept him on a track that made his victory over multiple-time national champion Perry Bruhm a bit easier.
“It was kind of a surprise,” said Koenig. “I got a really good draw, and I was able to stay on the A side so I didn’t have to pull as much. … I was really calm and very focused, and in the right headspace.”
About eight arm wrestlers have been meeting regularly in the valley for a couple of years, and Koenig, the Creston director for the BC Armwrestling Association, feels that other locals could have placed if they’d been able to attend, a testament to the effort they put in.
“It’s something you have to work really hard at as a hobby,” said Koenig.