A regional Victorian doctor, Hannah Farthing, showcased her exceptional puzzle-solving skills at the World Puzzle Championships held in Spain. Amid the disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic, Dr. Farthing delved into completing jigsaw puzzles as a pastime, which eventually led her to the competitive realm of puzzle-solving. Dr. Farthing, who practices medicine in Trafalgar, honed her puzzle-solving abilities during the lockdown period, describing the activity as a form of hyper-meditation that demands complete focus.

The World Puzzle Championships, coinciding with the global lockdowns, attracted participants from various countries, each striving to complete a 500-piece puzzle in the shortest time. Dr. Farthing, representing Australia, completed the puzzle in an impressive 49 minutes and 4 seconds, securing the 29th position out of 1,100 contestants in the solo event. Her notable performance extended to achieving the 10th place in pairs and the sixth place in the teams event, motivating her to prepare for future championships.

The Australian Jigsaw Puzzle Association, led by D’Arne Healy, witnessed a surge in interest in competitive puzzle-solving, prompting the establishment of an Australian league for enthusiasts. Healy, a puzzle aficionado from her early years, initiated the association before the pandemic, which coincidentally boosted the popularity of puzzles during the lockdowns. The association, now boasting 15,000 members across Australia and internationally, serves as a hub for puzzle enthusiasts to engage in competitive races and social puzzle activities.

Healy emphasized the inclusive nature of puzzle-solving, highlighting its capacity to bring together individuals of all ages and backgrounds. She underlined the importance of developing essential skills through puzzle-solving, advocating for continuous practice with various types of puzzles to enhance proficiency. The association’s efforts to introduce puzzle competitions in schools aim to foster participation among students and facilitate their engagement in state and national puzzle contests.

Competitive puzzling, often likened to a sport, garners enthusiastic support from participants and spectators alike, with the finals unfolding as intense and celebratory events. Healy emphasized the communal spirit within the puzzle-solving community, where achievements and personal bests are celebrated collectively. The camaraderie and encouragement within the community reflect a unique bond that transcends mere competition, creating a supportive and engaging environment for all participants.

In conclusion, Dr. Hannah Farthing’s success at the World Puzzle Championships underscores the growing popularity and competitiveness of puzzle-solving globally. The Australian Jigsaw Puzzle Association’s initiatives to promote puzzle-solving at various levels, including schools, signify a concerted effort to expand the reach and engagement of puzzle enthusiasts across diverse demographics. As puzzle-solving continues to captivate individuals of all ages, its potential to foster cognitive skills, social connections, and a sense of accomplishment remains a driving force behind the enduring appeal of this engaging pastime.