Navy News - Naval officer takes bronze in World Armwrestling Championships

September 23, 2013

By Shauna Waterman

A naval officer from Maritime Forces Atlantic put in a strong finish at the World Armwrestling Championships held from September 1 to 8 in Gydnia, Poland.

Sub-Lieutenant Will Sarty joined 21 Canadians in the event that drew 2,200 competitors from 49 countries in 158 weight classes. This was his third world championship in both left and right arm categories.

During the left arm category, SLt Sarty defeated competitors from Turkey, Russia, Brazil, Bulgaria and Poland. However, he lost two matches to the gold and bronze medalists from Kazakhstan and Ukraine. This placed him seventh in the world in this category.

In the first match of the right arm category, SLt Sarty clenched hands with the defending world champion from Turkey. The Turkish armwrestler held his title by defeating the sailor. 

Down but not out, SLt Sarty went on to defeat Japan, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Bulgaria, Brazil, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. These wins placed him to the top three ranking. After an incredibly long match against Russia, SLt Sarty came out victorious. But he laid down to Kazakhstan in the silver round because he felt the Kazakhstan competitor had a better chance to win gold against Turkey.

At the end of the championships, SLt Sarty added World Armwrestling Bronze Medalist to his list of accomplishments. He was the only Canadian to place above the top eight.

He also received a surprise award: the Team Captain Award for dedication, organization, motivation and sacrifice, by supporting all members of Team Canada throughout the tournament.

SLt Sarty has been armwrestling competitively for 13 years, has earned 13 national titles and competed in three world competitions in Canada, South Africa and now Poland. The most recent competition was by far the most elite competition in history.

 “Defeating Russia in the semi-finals for bronze is the greatest moment in my armwrestling career and I owe this to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Personnel Support Program for their support administratively and financially,” says SLt Sarty.