What an incredible weekend of strength, determination, passion and sportsmanship!
The SAAF National Armwrestling Championships took place from 8–10 August 2026 at the beautiful Aleo Hill Function and Wedding Venue in Nelspruit, bringing together armwrestlers from across South Africa to compete at the highest national level.
Standing in the venue and taking in the atmosphere, it was incredible to see just how much dedication goes into this sport. SAAF currently has approximately 420 affiliated athletes and members, representing 29 affiliated clubs across South Africa. Earning a place at Nationals is no small achievement, it is the result of countless hours of training and determination.
It was an absolute honour to capture these moments through my camera. From children armwrestling for the first time to experienced women and men giving everything they had, every competitor brought their own story, determination and passion to the competition.
My photographs from the championships were also featured in The Bulletin News – Secunda: https://thebulletin.co.za/news/secunda-armwrestling-made-a-strong-impression-at-the-national-championships/, which was a wonderful honour.
And the achievements of South African armwrestlers extend far beyond the National Championships. At the 2025 World Championships, South Africa was represented by 24 athletes, accompanied by 13 supporters. The team returned home with a bronze medal. While one medal may sound small when viewed simply as a number, at World Championship level it represents an enormous achievement!
My photographs from the championships were also featured in Ridge Times Sport Newspaper – Secunda: https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/sports-news/local-sports/2026/08/20/plaaslike-armdrukkers-palm-medaljes-in/, which was a wonderful honour.
Earlier this year, South Africa also competed at the 2026 African Championships, where 13 athletes brought home an incredible 26 medals, with South Africa finishing third overall as a team in Africa. What an achievement!
One athlete who continues to make his mark in the sport is Riekerd Bornman, a formidable armwrestler known for his passion, versatility, skill and incredible power at the table. His journey is a wonderful example of the dedication and determination required to compete at the highest level, and he continues to inspire others through his commitment to the sport.
The prize-giving ceremony was a beautiful celebration of the athletes, their achievements and the hard work that brought them to Nationals.
The weekend was then brought to a memorable close with a Gala evening, giving everyone an opportunity to celebrate the successes of the championships and the people who make this sport so special.
And there was an extra-special moment during the evening…
Francois popped the big question to Clarissa and she said YES!
Congratulations to you both! May this beautiful new chapter be filled with love, happiness, laughter and countless priceless moments together. What a wonderful memory to have from such a special weekend!
A Weekend Worth Remembering
Events like these are about so much more than competition. They are about community, perseverance, friendship and celebrating people who are willing to give everything they have to the sport they love. A heartfelt thank you to Hanco and Yorinda, their incredible team, all the athletes, supporters, organisers and everyone who contributed to making the 2026 SAAF National Armwrestling Championships such a tremendous success.
“Champions don’t show up to get everything they want; they show up to give everything they have.”