The World Armwrestling Championship

We might not think of women as arm wrestlers. How did you get started?

At a little country fair nine years ago, my friend Jim said, “I’ll pay the entry fee, and if you win, I’ll buy you an order of fries.” So I entered the contest—and I won.

The New Hampshire governor is a fan—and sometimes an opponent. What’s he like to wrestle?

He’ll say, “I’ve been practicing.” Then when we lock up, he says, “I don’t think I’ve done this enough.” And I say, “We’ll be diplomatic and call it a draw.” I don’t have to beat him. He knows that I can.

Speaking of diplomacy, you’ve represented the United States against Russia in tournaments. What’s that like?

Everyone just gets along. And it’s quite a feeling to stand on the podium with our flag. The last two years, I’ve been the first one to receive gold, so they’re playing the national anthem for me first. It’s a feeling that you never get tired of.

Your full-time job is driving a school bus. What do the kids think of your championship?

My kids on the bus love it. My own kids shake their heads: “I can’t believe you’re doing this, Mom, at your age. My God!” And I say, “What the heck? I’ve gotta have some fun.”

Merrill won the Grand Masters for women— left- and righthanded—at the

World Armwrestling Championship in Turkey in 2018.