Strongwoman wins title after arm-wrestle fundraising

Eve Robson raised the money for her travel costs by arm-wrestling men in her local pub

A strongwoman who raised money to compete in international competitions by challenging customers to arm-wrestling contests in the pub where she worked has won a world title.

Eve Robson, from Hurworth-on-Tees, near Darlington, became the first British woman to claim the female title at the Amateur World Highland Games Championships, which was held at the top of a mountain in Norway.

The 22-year-old had been aiming for the world title since taking up the sport three years ago and achieved early success by becoming Scottish Champion in 2023.

She raised travel costs by challenging men to arm-wrestling contests for £10-a-go in the Emerson Arms pub in her village, where she worked behind the bar.

"I was hoping to get in the top three but to win the world title is unbelievable – I keep having to pinch myself," said Ms Robson.

Events in the games include the caber toss, heavy shot put, light shot put, heavy hammer, light hammer, weight over the bar, heavy weight for distance, and light weight for distance.

Eve Robson arm-wrestling with her dad Tim at the pub

After two days of intense competition in the Norwegian resort of Fefor, Ms Robson had to finish in the top six in the final event – the light weight for distance – which involved throwing a metal ball attached to a chain.

On her first attempt she threw the weight over the side of the mountain, and it had to be recovered.

However, she sealed victory with her second throw, defeating rivals from the USA, Germany, Netherlands, and France.

"I just started screaming when I won because I've worked so hard to get to the top of the sport," she said.

"I was third in the World Championships in the USA last time, but I've steadily improved and got stronger, so all the training has been worthwhile.

"Hopefully, what I've done will encourage more women to try the sport because it's a great discipline."

Ms Robson is a member of the Teesside Throwers squad, and is coached in Middlesbrough by Highland Games veteran David Dowson.

Her next competition is the Scottish Championships in Airth on 26 July.