Heavyweight fights stereotypes

by Joel Whaley

While childhood obesity is a problem for over 31 per cent of Canadian children aged 5-17, heavier athletes have advantages in certain sports, according to a local wrestling coach.

James Pernal has been the Essex High School wrestling coach for five years and has firsthand experience coaching athletes who are obese. 

“Obesity is not the biggest obstacle to work with someone, it is about controlling their body weight,” said Pernal.  “Obesity can be an obstacle if the person has not adapted to it.”

Andrew Poirier is an example of a person who has been obese for most of his life and has played sports since he was a boy.

“I began playing soccer at age five and continued to play competitive soccer until I was 18,” said Poirier. “I never felt that my weight slowed me down, I was very agile.”

Poirier began wrestling at age 14 while in Grade 9 and has won multiple awards and medals including a gold at the Ontario Federation of Secondary Athletic Association’s tournament and silver at Nationals. 

“I was bullied and teased during sports, but I feel that my results spoke for themselves,” said Poirier “I felt that my agility was quick enough to play goalie and compete in the heavyweight division.”

Pernal said he feels that certain sports can benefit from athletes who are on the heavier side. 

“Sports like baseball and golf have athletes that are considered obese and can play very well due to their weight.  People like John Daly and Prince Fielder benefit from their weight and know how to throw it around,” said Pernal.

There are also athletes who have a hard time changing their body type.

“Everybody has a natural weight and there are people who purposely gain the weight by poor diet and laziness,” said Pernal. “They need to learn where their natural body weight is and adapt.”