Jasper's first ever arm wrestling competition was so successful that organizers are planning to make it an annual event.
Upwards of 45 athletes, from youth and amateurs to professionals, competed in Mountain Madness Battle Zone 5, Jan. 30, at the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre.
鈥淚t turned out better than I could have ever planned or pictured,鈥� said Laura Park, a local arm wrestler and one of the organizers of the event. 鈥淲e're very much looking forward to an annual event.鈥�
Park competed in the women's category, taking third place with both her right and left arms. She was outdone by Christina Flicka of Millet, Alta. and Maria Peterson of Grande Prairie, who one first and second place respectively.
Park was the only Jasperite to compete at the professional level. In the men's category there were competitions in various weight classes, with most of the competitors coming from Alberta, but there were also some from B.C. and even Ontario.
鈥淚t was by far the biggest and best Battle Zone tournament yet,鈥� said Perry Bruhm, Battle Zone founder and organizer.
Bruhm was amongst the competitors in the 161 lbs. to 190 lbs. weight class and came out with a fourth place finish with his left hand and a eighth place finish with his right.
Todd Nelson of Grande Cache won the Murray Park Memorial Most Sportsmanlike Award, which was created in honour of Laura Park's father.
After a 10-year retirement from the sport, Nelson has recently made a comeback and last weekend placed second in his weight class with his left arm.
Nicole Veerman
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