How to explain this passion for arm wrestling?
Greg COLOM : “I’ve been doing it for thirty years, since I was 19. After a month, I was champion of France. My first trainer told me it was a gift. I like everything: the pressure, the music during the competitions, the atmosphere in the room. In 1996, I learned that I had multiple sclerosis. Neurologists advised me to stop my sport. What I did for a while. But following a very serious traffic accident in 2008, I decided to do what I wanted with my life. Four months later, I was senior French champion. Since then, I have accumulated all the titles, champion of France among veterans, in the disabled sports section. I was even world champion in 2018. ”
And finally, were there unfortunate consequences for your health?
“I have been in a wheelchair since 2010. But it is the evolution of my disease that causes it. Would it have changed anything if I hadn’t been in the arm wrestling anymore? I was asked to stop because the competition requires a strong concentration, causes stress, fatigue… But that makes me happy. What I do know is that I live better like this. I am living wonderful moments and I am proving that we can succeed, go very far, even when ill, thanks to the mind. “
“Arm wrestling should become an Olympic discipline, I must participate in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles! “
You are looking for sponsors today. What changed ?
“I joined a club in Marseille, because to participate in competitions, you have to be made redundant. Why so far? To put it simply, let’s say there has been a split in the tussle world, resulting in two groups: the French federation of force and the French sports arm wrestling league. My old club left for the League. But for the titles to be official, you have to be in the Federation. In short, I made this choice, but suddenly, I train alone, I manage on my own. An “arm wrestling” branch of the French Force Federation was to open in Metz and I had to be a coach… But with the Covid, everything was postponed. I need financial support to continue the competition. If only to ensure travel. “
You are not recognized as a professional athlete?
“Yes. But that doesn’t mean I get paid. Maybe that will change one day. Arm wrestling should become an Olympic discipline, I have to participate in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles! Finally, once again, to hold out until then, it would be necessary to be supported by companies… ”
And why not forge a partnership with patient associations?
“My discipline remains unknown, not necessarily taken seriously. It is not unifying like football. On the other hand, I try more and more to intervene with young people. Lately, in the colleges of Yutz and Thionville, soon in Briey. Students often ask more questions than adults! “
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