In the blink of an eye, a top level armwrestling match can be done.

Do not turn away, even for a second.

It wasn’t quite in the blink of an eye, but the ascension from casual practitioner of the practice that began more than a century ago as a demonstration of strength that might often be contested at local taverns happened pretty darn fast for 18 year-old Garson native Dorian MacDonald.

Loosely speaking, that was the environment his father (Jamie) had come to know as he dabbled, more recreationally than anything, with a sport that is growing rapidly in popularity, driven by social media, influencers and influencer-led content.

I may not know who Devon Larratt is – but many a teenage boy attending high-school in this country apparently does. A skill that was typically simply passed along, quite casually, within the family setting can now be fine-tuned and perfectly simply by accessing on-line videos.

That was the starting point for Dorian MacDonald, currently ranked second in Ontario in the 154lb youth weight class and with a very good shot at claiming a provincial title for the very first time in Hamilton in May - at least in his opinion.

“I was genetically pretty strong and my dad taught me basic stuff,” explained MacDonald, morphing quickly into various physics-related details that outlined the various advantages of leverage and such. “The idea is I want to twist in and drag you forward.”

Armed with that foundation and some five weeks or so of basic training at the kitchen table at home, MacDonald finished fourth in his bracket at his very first official tournament in February of 2023 in Penetanguishene. This was also the point at which the MacDonalds would make the acquaintance of Brad Wade, the man behind the Rock City Reapers.

Spurred on by some knowledge gained with a one on one session with the local puller (as armwrestlers are affectionately known), Dorian refined his technique even more, all the while becoming increasingly aware that as a right-hander in the sport, there was clearly some potential to be tapped.

“I learned that stance is huge,” said MacDonald. “You want to be able to lean back. If I am wrestling with my right hand, I want my right foot forward.”

There are, of course, the standard guidelines that must be adhered to in order to start a fair bout: wrists are straight, shoulders square to the table; elbow cannot come off the pad, competitors cannot let go of the handle on the table (the one they hold with their non-competing hand) and one foot must remain on the ground.

Other than that, everything else is game.

The problem is that the natural tendencies that untrained armwrestlers might lean towards are completely counter-productive. “Originally, I was leaning forward,” said MacDonald. “I was open and kind of awkward.”

Not any more.

Dorian MacDonald is, by his own account, likely the most technically-skilled athlete in his weight class. “When I lose, it’s typically a strength thing.”

Making his first trip to nationals in the summer of 2024 in Nova Scotia, MacDonald began to take note of where the separation occurred at the very top end of the armwrestling food-chain. “I didn’t do amazing, but it was a great experience, seeing armwrestling at the highest levels.”

“Before that, I was dedicated – but not incredibly dedicated,” he added. “I would go to practice every week, but I wasn’t lifting weights, I wasn’t watching videos. After my first nationals, I really started taking it seriously.”

For as much as some competitors enjoy the challenge that comes with demonstrating a degree of excellence with both their right and left hands, Dorian MacDonald is fine with being more specialized. “My right hand is significantly better,” he said. “I train both hands in practice but do not lift weights with my left.”

It can look a little goofy when he flexes – but that’s not a concern. Rising to the top of this mountain is where is sights are set. He is now being booked for the “super match” best of five pay-per-view showdowns that can put a few dollars in his pockets.

“A little over a year ago, I really levelled up,” he explained. “I’m doing less events, but the ones I am going to are more competitive.”

If he wins at 154 (lbs) at provincials, MacDonald plans to make the jump to 176lb, much closer to his natural body weight. And in the blink of an eye, don’t be too surprised if this local athlete is competing with the best.