13-year-old P.E.I. arm wrestler sets sights on world championships

Thirteen-year-old Thomas Dumas from Alberton, P.E.I., shakes hands with his dad Mike.

They carefully place their elbows on the table, lock their palms together and with an explosion of force, begin to arm wrestle.

Mike's face turns and twists contorting into unrecognisable shapes as he focuses all his strength on defeating his son.

Within 10 seconds it's all over.

Thomas wins this round.

"Some of the best arm wrestlers in the world have said if he keeps going that he will be the best in the world," said Mike. "There's no stopping him."

13-year-old from P.E.I. sets sights on World Arm Wrestling Championships

2 months ago

Duration 3:07

Thomas Dumas, from western P.E.I., was born with a condition that affects the brain tissue, causing headaches and a general feeling of being unwell. Hes already won several national arm wrestling titles and now aims to compete at the World Arm Wrestling Championships in Greece in September.

'I love it'

Thomas was born with Arnold Chiari Malformation, a condition that affects brain tissue, causing headaches and a general feeling of being unwell.

According to Mike, Thomas wasn't able to play contact sports like hockey or football growing up.But at 7 years old, Thomas discovered arm wrestling.

"It was very cool because it wasn't like soccer or something where I'm always having to be running and stuff," said Thomas.

"You arm wrestle really quick if you can, then you take a break and then you go again."

He has been hooked ever since.Thomas remembers beating all his friends at school, becoming Manitoba's provincial champion and winning several national titles.

Now, his sights are set on competing at this year's World Arm Wrestling Championships in Greece.

"I want to get to the best that my body will let me for arm wrestling, so the best that I can possibly be," said Thomas."I love it."

And so does his whole family. His younger brother and dad are also successful arm wrestlers.Even his mom admits she's given it a whirl once or twice.

"Thomasis really serious about it, and he's getting me more serious about it, which is helping me with wanting to do it more, and more, and more," said Mike.

"When you start something, you don't think of where it could end up. How high is this going to go?And to see him now, today is just, it's beyond exciting."

'A great heart'

When they are not practising at home, the family trains out of the Pain Plant a small club in Montrose.It's run by Joedy Harper and gives you a glimpse into why the Dumas family has so much praise for the Islands arm wrestling community.

"It's nice to have the calibre guys to train with because steel sharpens steel and the better calibre you got to train with, the better your training is going to be," said Harper.

"A lot of the armwrestlers are just normal people, great guys and gals you can talk to. You just have common interests. And it's a great sport for all ages."

In fact, Thomas said the people are one of the best parts. Everyone at the Pain Plant seems to be friends. Between difficult practice matches you hear moments of laughter, encouragement and countless, "ready to go again?"

"When you meet up with Thomas on the table, you won't like him, but you're gonna like him when he's done cause he's got a great heart," said Mike.

"When you're a hockey player, you're a hockey player. When you're a tennis player, you're a tennis player. He's an arm wrestler. That's what he is."