Dr. Hannah Farthing, a regional Victorian doctor, found herself with disrupted plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. With international travel on hold, she turned to completing jigsaw puzzles as a way to pass the time. Although she had a fondness for puzzles since childhood, the extended lockdown period allowed her to refine her skills and eventually venture into the competitive realm of jigsaw puzzling.
The World Puzzle Championships coincided with the global lockdowns, offering a platform for enthusiasts worldwide to showcase their speed and precision in completing intricate puzzles. Dr. Farthing, based in Trafalgar, seized the opportunity and represented Australia at the championships held in Spain. Her completion time of 49 minutes and 4 seconds earned her a commendable rank among over a thousand participants, with Norway’s Kristan Thruv emerging as the victor.
The Australian Jigsaw Puzzle Association, led by D’Arne Healy, witnessed a surge in interest in competitive puzzle-solving. Prior to 2019, there was no national league for professional puzzle races in Australia. Healy, an ardent puzzler from a young age, decided to establish the association after participating in the World Championships in 2019. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a resurgence in the hobby, with families turning to puzzles as a source of entertainment during lockdowns.
Healy’s foresight in creating the Australian Jigsaw Puzzle Association proved timely, as the community flourished during the pandemic. The association, boasting a social media following of 15,000 members nationwide, became a hub for enthusiasts to connect and engage in puzzle-related activities. The inclusivity and accessibility of puzzle-solving appealed to individuals of all ages, fostering a sense of camaraderie and skill development among participants.
Competitive puzzling, often likened to an endurance race for the brain, requires dedication and practice. Dr. Farthing’s journey to the World Puzzle Championships exemplifies the passion and commitment prevalent among enthusiasts. The thrill of completing a puzzle within a set time frame, amidst cheers and encouragement from fellow competitors, underscores the competitive yet supportive nature of the puzzling community.
Looking ahead, the Australian Jigsaw Puzzle Association aims to introduce puzzle competitions in schools, providing students with the opportunity to engage in friendly rivalry at state and national levels. The association’s mission to unite individuals through the shared love of jigsaw puzzling highlights the enduring appeal and versatility of this beloved pastime.
As the world navigates through challenging times, the allure of jigsaw puzzles endures as a unifying force that transcends boundaries and generations. Dr. Farthing’s journey from a regional doctor in Victoria to a competitive puzzler on the global stage exemplifies the transformative power of resilience, creativity, and community in the face of adversity.