About Rick
My name is Rick Laton. I have been married to my wife Julie for (13) years and I am the father of two wonderful children. My daughter " Hailey " is (9) years old and my son "Ryan" will be (3) in January. I am a devoted member of the 1st Baptist Church in Albemarle. I am the owner/manager of Laton's Body Shop, Inc. I began armwrestling in 1988.
On April 15, 1995 I was involved in a automobile accident. I broke my back that day and I now have limited use of my legs. I am able to stand, but I have to use a wheelchair in my everyday activities. I also lost my father in this " tragic " accident. For several years I did not participate in any competitive armwrestling.
In 1997 I came back to the sport I love so much at the AAA Nationals in
Washington D.C. I placed 4th and I have been " On A
Mission " ever since. At the 2000 Nationals in
Bakersfield, California I won my first National Championship in the 60
kilo Right Hand Class.
At the 2001' AAA Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia, I received my highest honor yet. I was selected as Male Armwrestler of the Year !! In my eyes, this is the highest honor I could ever win, as it is voted on by the armwrestlers themselves. Thank you !!!!!!!
Since taking over as State Director for N.C. in 1998,
I have been trying
to promote the sport of armwrestling in
every way possible. As State Director we hold our state
championship each year. This year it will be the 2003' " Get A Grip " Championships to be held Saturday, January
18th, in Albemarle, N.C. I hope to continue to promote the
sport to the best of my ability
and to play a large part in taking it into
the Olympics someday !!