By Normimie Diun
KOTA KINABALU: World-renowned arm wrestling legend Devon Larratt believes young people will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport and has called on more Malaysian youths, particularly in Sabah, to embrace arm wrestling as a platform for developing discipline, mental resilience and positive community connections.
The former Canadian serviceman, who continues to compete at the highest level of the sport at the age of 51, said the rapid growth of arm wrestling worldwide demonstrates its immense potential to attract younger generations.
According to Larratt, youth participation in arm wrestling is not only about producing elite athletes but also about nurturing confident, healthy and resilient individuals.
“I see more and more young people getting involved in arm wrestling, and the sport is growing at an incredible pace. More youths should be given the opportunity to discover this sport through schools, clubs and consistently organised competitions.
“The more young people we can involve, the stronger the community becomes. Arm wrestling is not only about technique and physical strength; it also teaches friendship, respect and a strong sense of family,” he told Sabah Media during the East vs West International Arm Wrestling Championship at Palm Square, Centre Point, on Saturday.
Larratt, who was accompanied by his wife, Jodi Larratt, during their first visit to Sabah, also praised the warm hospitality of the local community and the enthusiasm displayed by Sabah’s arm wrestling athletes.
He said the sport’s development must begin at the grassroots level through the establishment of more clubs, training centres and structured youth development programmes.
“The most important thing is taking care of the community within the clubs. Create more activities, organise more competitions and encourage participation among school students.
“When more young people come together to train, they not only become better athletes but also build friendships that can last a lifetime,” he said.
Reflecting on his own journey in the sport, Larratt said he began arm wrestling at the age of four before entering competitive competition at 18.
He attributed his longevity in the sport, spanning more than three decades, to his passion for continuous learning and self-improvement.
“I have always believed that I can still get better. That has been my greatest motivation throughout my career.
“To young people, enjoy the sport and do not rush success. Set goals, be patient and see arm wrestling as something that can become a positive part of your life and bring many benefits,” he said.
Larratt also revealed that he still hopes to face Georgian world champion Levan Saginashvili once again, widely regarded as the best arm wrestler in the world today.
According to him, Levan has not only been the toughest opponent he has ever faced but also a major source of inspiration throughout his career.
“Levan changed my life. He raised the standard of this sport to a much higher level. I have immense respect for him and will continue chasing the benchmark he has set.
“If I were ever able to defeat him one day, it would be a very meaningful moment because he has inspired so much of my journey in this sport,” he said.
Larratt added that the healthy rivalry between elite competitors such as himself and Levan demonstrates that arm wrestling is far more than a contest of strength it is a pursuit of self-improvement and a challenge to push beyond one’s limits.
“Sport builds communities. It brings people together in a healthy and peaceful environment. Through arm wrestling, people gain strength, health, friendships and a sense of belonging.
“If the sport can provide those things to young people, then they are on the right path towards building a better future,” he said.
Larratt remains optimistic that arm wrestling will continue to grow significantly over the next decade, with youth participation serving as the primary driver of the sport’s global expansion.
He believes more countries will invest in arm wrestling development at school and community levels, creating greater opportunities for the next generation to elevate the sport to even greater heights in the years ahead.
