A professional sport poorly depicted ...

Rating: 6/10 (24 November 2005)

Sylvester Stallone's (Over The Top) is a Hollywood representation of arm wrestling, and in no way depicts the REAL life of a professional arm wrestler or the arm wrestling profession as a whole.
Before the release of this movie in 1987, I was both a local and state champion arm wrestler for three consecutive years (1985-1987). My girlfriend at the time (now a lost ex-wife) and I, went 'dutch' to the premiere of this movie during our 'courting years'. At that time, Drive-In Theaters were very popular in our state (South Carolina). With ample parking made available for tractor-trailers, I was able to pick my sweetheart up in my big-rig, and show her a real good time that night.
I did not let my passion for the arm wrestling profession prejudge my expectations of what I thought would be another "Stallone Classic". However, (Over The Top) does not tell the viewer about the real "darker" side of the arm wrestling profession.
Some interesting statistics: Did you know that there is an average of (153) arm wrestlers that die every year (in the U.S.A.) directly related to arm wrestling tragedies? Also, (1) out of (14) patients admitted through hospital emergency rooms, each year, are medically treated for arm wrestling related injuries? Shocking isn't it ??? Most of these injuries and deaths involve young males (30-45 years of age), who grew up watching (Over The Top), and living the all American dream as a professional arm wrestler. Like myself, a majority of those inspired by this movie and profession, ended up losing all that they loved. Personally I lost my house, my big-rig, and my ex-wife  but that was not the worst. I also lost both or my arms to the profession; both in the same nation-wide competition (1988). I wanted to be "the best of the best". I stayed up night after night, watching and re-watching (Over The Top) endlessly. Each time, learning something new. There was even I time when I thought I was actually Lincoln Hawk (Stallone's character in the movie), and went as far as changing my name legally to that of the movie's main character. In the end, after all of my hard work preparing for the nation-wide competition, I found I was not prepared at all. During the first round eliminations, I lost the first arm. I was too obsessed, and asked the paramedic to toss away the appendage and bandage me up. Due to a technical loophole in the arm wrestling rules (which has since been amended), I was able to continue with the competition, only this time using my other arm. I made it all of the way to the final round, where my lack of concentration caused the loss of my second limb. With both arms now in the back alley dumpster, I turned my back on the sport  never to compete again.
I am a big believer in universal equality. From each bad thing, a good thing must come. As such, I am pleased to announce that next month, the "A.R.M.S. Around America" campaign will launch, and will run from Dec. 5/05 to Jan. 8/06. (A.R.M.S. : Arm-wrestling Rehabilitation Missionary Services) is a not for profit reach-out program, aimed to support those who suffer directly from arm wrestling related injuries.
It is our hope, as an organization, that a campaign like this (or similar), will be made available each year in order to let those in need know that we are there for them. More information about A.R.M.S. or the "A.R.M.S. Around America" campaign can be obtained through your local A.R.M.S. chapter (see local listings).
I hope my above story opens "closed eyes", and educates those who find themselves wandering down the dark path of professional arm wrestling. Although I cannot physically reach out and hold your hand, spiritually I can as you travel your journey.
God bless America