The rise of South African armwrestling star Leandro Cordier

Most of us have tried to prove our strength by challenging a friend to an armwrestling match at home or at a bar. This is exactly how Leandro Cordier’s journey in the sport began.

"It started with just a drink in a bar and pulling each other. I actually enjoyed it and started to look for a club," Cordier explains. After a knee injury ended his rugby aspirations, he turned his focus to the table. "The nearest [club] was in Witbank with Terrence Opperman... once I experienced the sport, I was hooked immediately."

Cordier, who is now one of South Africa’s most formidable talents, competes out of the Armvictors Club in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

Despite living in Middelburg, he travels to Nelspruit twice a week to train under his coach, Hanco Nel.

"If it wasn’t for him helping me train these last seven months, I wouldn't have grown so much in strength, technique, and mentality," says Cordier. "Everyone pushes each other, and I owe a lot of my progress to my training partners and coachth,ey play a massive role in my development."

The athlete cemented his name globally at the 2025 XLVI World Armwrestling Championships, where he claimed a bronze medal in the Youth Men +110kg (Super Heavyweight) category in the left-arm division.

Reflecting on his transition from youth to senior ranks, Cordier told Eyewitness News that international competition taught him that raw power is only one piece of the puzzle. "It changed my mindset, now I focus a lot more on technique, control, and strategy when facing senior heavyweights."

Competing in the 110kg+ class requires a specialised approach to fitness that goes beyond standard gym work. Cordier’s routine is built on consistency and "connector" strength:

Morning Sessions: Heavy lifting and "table time."

Evening Sessions: Blood flow exercises to aid recovery.

Specialised Drills: Wrist curls, cupping, pronation work, static holds, and pressure training.

"I focus a lot on tendon strength and pressure training—not just muscles, but strong connectors," Cordier says.

Currently holding the top spot in Mpumalanga for both left and right arms in the heavyweight division, Cordier is looking toward the SA Championships.

"This year felt like a big step forward because I’m in the Senior class and feel more confident, stronger, and much more technical," he says. "I want to compete at the highest level, but right now I’m focused on building experience and proving myself step by step."