Aberdeen’s Sean Paterson will head to the United States today to fly the Saltire in the World Armwrestling Championships.
The 38-year-old does not normally attract much publicity in his job as a heating engineer. But he has already won a string of titles on the British circuit and qualified for the global competition at a European event in Manchester.
As the current British champion – in both arms – Mr Paterson has utilised his power to establish a growing reputation in what is the United States’ fastest growing pursuit.
He said: “I didn’t realise there was a world circuit until my dad looked into it, but the last few years have been pretty exciting and now I am looking forward to this trip to Vegas.
“It is a really big deal over there. The championships will be broadcast live on ESPN and the audiences are massive for these events.
“It’s one of those things that most people have done at some stage in their lives, mostly just for fun – but there is a World Armwrestling League and it is growing bigger and bigger.”
Mr Paterson will fly to Las Vegas today with his wife Elaine, before the contest on Thursday.
And he knows the pressure will be on as he faces some of the toughest professionals in front of their own crowds.
But he added: “My whole family are from Aberdeen, so I am sure they will be looking out for me at the worlds.
“It is going to be a very tough challenge, but I am excited about it.”
“I would love to make the top 10, but it’s the hardest tournament in the world, so there is a very fine line between being put straight out – which could happen – and doing well – which I am hoping for.”
“There are 26 finalists in my weight class, so there is nothing left to do now other than just attack it as hard as I can.”