|
Cynthia Yerby, 54 (5'7"). One of the best armwrestlers in the world, Oklahoma, USA (belongs to the Indian tribe Seminole.) Ten-time world champion, seven-time "Queen of Arms". Mother of two, academic counselor at Seminole State College
I would like you to know that I am a college counselor. I have my Associate degree, my bachelor’s degree and my master’s degree. I have been married for 30 years to Monty and I have two sons, Josh (22) and Matt (19). We live in a small country town called Wolf, Oklahoma (population 50).
Yes, I am a full blood Seminole from Oklahoma. There is also the Seminole Tribe of Florida that I consider very dear to my heart. They have given me support in all my endeavors in this sport. I give all the credit to the Seminole Tribe of Florida for my success.
I started armwrestling 16 years ago, when I was 38. I am a college counselor and I had a student that was into armwrestling. He invited me to watch one of his tournaments and the rest in the history department. I became smitten with the sport. When I went to watch that college student armwrestled and tried it myself, I found that I sort of had a knack for it. It came natural to me.
I armwrestled local people for a few years at local tournaments. Then one day I watched a movie about the yearly World championships in Petaluma, California. I became curious and called the local police department in that town and asked if they really had a tournament and if they did I wanted to know what I needed to do to participate. I was invited to compete and ended up winning 3rd at my first attempt. The first person I pulled that day was the legendary Dot Jones from California. She has since retired. She is a television and movie star now.
No, I did not defeat Dot Jones. At the time, she was so far ahead of me in the sport. It was my first professional tournament. I wasn't privy to techniques or anything. She dominated the sport while she was still competing. She has a very intimidating presence.
I just won the United States National in Denver, Colorado in August 2006. I am a current United States National Champion in my weight class. I am also ranked #1 in my class in the United States. I have won many titles. I possess 10 national titles, 10 World Championships, more than 20 State titles.
The 177lb+ class.
I have a passion for armwrestling. I love it. It's a personal thing. It's you power against someone else. The sport has taken me all over the world. I have been very fortunate.
I consider every armwrestler a challenge and do not take anyone for granted. I believe I would have to single out Mary McConnaughey from Nebraska, USA as my number one challenger.
Yes, I am the current "New York Queen of Arms" I have won the title 7 times. The New York Armwrestling Association (NYAA) awards the title. Gene Camp is the President of this organization. NYAA puts on a great competition every year for the titles of the King and the Queen of the Arms. I love Gene Camp and the people of New York. I look forward to this tournament every year. It is an awesome competition! Next year is the 30th anniversary of this Pro Championship.
Armwrestling is definitely a real sport. If you don't believe it, get into a tournament and pull someone.
I believe I have a lot of speed and power when I armwrestle.
The longest match I ever had was with Vika Gabagkova from Russia (I don't know what I was thinking, this lady was unbeatable) I have a lot of respect for her, she is lengendary. I never even came close to beating her. There are many short matches. I try to get a match over as quickly as possible.
I do something every day to help with my armwrestling. Mostly, pulling exercises.
When I was in college, I played softball, field hockey, and basketball.
I have competed against men but only in jest. Nothing serious.
I used to practice with my husband but that's all.
I feel that I am an ordinary woman that has done some extraordinary things. I do!
I don't feel that it is visible that I am an armwrestler because I do the same thing other women do. I am a mother, a wife and I work everyday and take care of my family. If you saw me in the market I don't think you would say "Hey, there's an armwrestler.”
No, I don't experience any mockery. Most people are proud of me and very gracious to me about my success.
I believe women can be very competitive in anything they set their mind to.
I believe that a man should always be gracious and courteous to a woman and a woman should indeed show the same respect to a man. Common courtesy goes a long way in my book.
Both of my sons are active in the sport of armwrestling. Josh, my oldest son has won the Kansas State Championship and Matt, my youngest son has placed as high as 5th in a class with 16 competitors. They are both still learning.
I want to thank you too for asking me for this interview and I hope it is what you wanted.
Actress and armwrestler Dot Jones, the first Cynthia's formidable opponent.
The toughest Cynthia's opponent Mary-McConnaughey
|
