South Africa’s arm wrestling community has been rocked by the news that two-time national champion Graham Verwey has died in a car accident. The 24-year-old was one of six members who represented Team SA when the sport made its debut at the African Games, in Accra, Ghana, last year.
Another arm wrestling personality, Jonty ‘Striker’ Jacobs, who was secretary general of SAAF, has also died, after an illness. The 34-year-old para-athlete was attacked on his farm in 2018, shot, and left for dead, but had survived the ordeal.
In paying tribute to Verwey and Jacobs, the president of SASCOC, Barry Hendricks said that the athletes would be sorely missed. “First and foremost, our condolences go out to the families, friends and sporting community. Graham was a proud member of Team SA in the sport’s historic appearance at the African Games and was popular on and off the field of play.
“Jonty’s courage in facing life’s challenges was inspiring and je was a great sports person and human being. Our thoughts are with all their loved ones at this difficult time.”
One of the stalwarts of the sport in South Africa, Rosemary Botha, spoke about the impact Verwey had. The Springs-based Botha, who was also in Ghana with Team SA, is an athlete, coach and club owner. She is referred to as the “godmother of female arm wrestling”.
She confirmed Verwey’s passing from an accident involving a car and a truck between Fochville and Carltonville. “We can assume it was instantaneous,” an emotional Botha said.
She went on to pay tribute to the young athlete. “Graham was like a son to me. I spoke with him the day before he passed away. He was always a team player. He would make a joke and laugh and made you feel good. He was a character and lifted the mood at the African Games. He loved arm wrestling and was a natural.”
Verwey’s and Jacobs’ untimely deaths come in the week that South Africa’s first Olympic swimming gold medallist, Joan Harrison, passed away at the age of 89. She won gold in the 100m backstroke at the 1952 Games in Helsinki.
Pictured: Verwey (left) next to Botha at last year’s African Games
