The Swedish Armwrestling Federation would like to clarify a few points regarding the discussion over the last few days concerning Sarah Bäckman not representing Sweden in the European Championships this year.

Sarah is an amazing arm wrestler and fascinating personality. We are proud and glad that Sarah is swedish, that she has grown and developed from a promising 14-year old starting out in arm wrestling to the super star she has become through her hard work and determination. Every year our national federations congress discuss how to appoint those who represent us internationally, and every year an overwhelming majority of the Swedish arm wrestling community vote that the right to represent Sweden is won at the table at the nationals.

This year Sarah chose to forfeit that battle, and did not appear at the nationals, well aware of the rules agreed upon by the swedish arm wrestling community. 230 other arm wrestlers spend time and money to fight for the honour to wear our colours internationally. Among them those who will be representing us in the ladies -70 category. The Swedish federation will not disrespect those who have according to long standing, democratically decided rules, earned that right. When registering our team for the Europeans there was an opening in the -80 kilo category, that was offered to Sarah Bäckman. She has declined that offer, and consequently has no position on the Swedish national team this year. We can and will do no more.

Anders Axklo

President

Swedish Armwrestling Federation