WE’RE a nation of ‘weaklings’, according to scientists in Canada and the UK.
Dave Chambers wrote in the Sunday Times recently that it is highly unlikely South Africa can expect many more than its 10 medals won in Rio as we are the ‘second-weakest of 21 nations’ tested.
We are only slightly stronger than… Pakistan!
Apparently, it all boils down to one’s handshake which they say is a ‘direct link between a population’s strength and its Olympic medal tally’.
This led to a few clandestine local ‘experiments’ this past weekend which proved that many South Coast people should really consider getting a firmer grip on things.
Limp wrists were by far in the majority, so one can only conclude that not too many Olympians will originate from the South Coast.
However, there were a few exceptions to the rule. Take Daan ‘Varkie’ Swanepoel for example. Anyone who greets Daan before a game of golf at the Port Shepstone Country Club ends up with crushed phalanges.
No wonder it took so many Rooinekke to beat so few Boers.
In comparison, last weekend’s golfing partners Rob Piers, Graham Dickson and Basil King all had reasonably firm handshakes, but not overly stiff like their English upper lips.
The day before, ‘Big B’ Bernd Kankowski – an accomplished rugby player back in the day – had nothing to shake home about, but there is potential for a crusher there.
Unfortunately, my Indian buddies tended to back up the Pakistani findings, but this could be deceiving as Dr Ayoob Bux does need his hands for work and can’t run the risk of cracking knuckles.
Magistrate Mot Moleele did surprise with his grip, possibly proving that there is huge potential among the Sotho nation.
Another legal eagle, Pete Stoppel’s handshake left one wondering how the Germans had the cheek to think they could rule the world… twice!
The same experiment with girls was a dead loss as Cilla Lindsay just wanted to snog and the scientists didn’t mention anything about lip pressure. Caster Semenya would probably ace that test hands down.
However, the strength of one’s handshake can be deceiving – regardless of one’s sex.
It brings back memories of a dinner at King’s House in Durban years ago. The man with the stiff index finger, PW Botha and his wife, Tannie Elise, were greeting press and guests. Elise’s handshake showed she came from strong stock. PeeVee’s was like a wet fish.
Trump apparently avoids shaking hands all together. Makes one think…
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