Located in the heart of Grootvally is the home of Springs' arm wrestling club, Supernova. As you enter the grounds, you can smell the hard work, the smell of chalk, and the sounds of friendly banter and groans as practice continues.
The four members who are part of the six-man team that will represent South Africa at this year's World Wrestling Championships in Ghana shared their excitement for what lies ahead.
Members sat down with Springs Advertising to talk about hopes, dreams, and championships. Meri Prinsloo, 14, a student at Herschel Hugenault, says he was bitten by the arm-wrestling bug when she went to a club with her friend.
“The first time I came here was for a friend's birthday. I saw some arm wrestlers practicing and I fell in love with the sport ever since.”
Meri says it wasn't easy at first because her mother didn't agree.
“I had to be very persistent until she said yes,” she said with a laugh.
When asked about the stigma that arm wrestling is a men's sport, Meri quickly brushed it off with a shrug.
“I don't care what other people think, I'm doing what I love.”
Graham Barway, 23, from Carlton, North West, was in town to pick up his team kit. Fellow team member Rosemary Botha (51) said she was forced to participate late because other members were unable to participate.
As a high school student, Graham, a self-proclaimed classics nerd, knew only the art of verbal warfare, but was pleasantly surprised when he fell in love with arm wrestling.
“My parents really liked the idea of me having a well-rounded extracurricular activity, because it's just a semi-physical sport.”
James Kruger, 40, from Boksburg, started arm wrestling seven years ago.
“I was watching the competitions. I fell in love with the sport and quickly became dedicated to it.”
The team agrees that establishing a work-life balance is important.
“It can be overwhelming, but coming to practice is therapeutic,” adds Rosemary.
Graham says the sport is extremely rewarding.
“The job I work requires a lot of arm strength, so arm wrestling really helps me be more productive at work,” he says.
Regarding the news about her trip to Ghana, Rosemary said it was surreal. She said: “I thought something would go wrong until I got the team kit.”
The competition will be held from March 7th to 23rd.