He is the Aberdeen man who has used his arms to book a high-profile trip to Las Vegas this summer.
But Sean Paterson is having to take a holiday from his job as a heating engineer to participate in the World Armwrestling Championships in June.
The 38-year-old north-east competitor has only been involved in the sport for five years, but has already won a string of titles on the British circuit and qualified for the global competition at a European event in Manchester on Sunday.
As the current British champion – in both arms – Mr Paterson admitted he had always been “quite strong” and has utilised that 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.
“I have had to organise things to be able to travel to the US. I have taken a week’s holiday to go out to Vegas with my wife Elaine. The championship is on Thursday, June 29, so we are flying out on the 26th.”
As part of his preparation for major events, Mr Paterson, who now lives in Glasgow, has to commit to a lot of power and strength training and, as the reigning British No 1 in the 85k category, has to spend hours honing his grip, wrist and tendon strength.
But all the protracted gym sessions have paid dividends during his rapid rise up the international rankings.
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 tough challenge, but I am excited about it.”
