In a remarkable journey from a casual pastime to a global stage, Hannah Farthing, a resident of Wodonga, VIC, transitioned from a lockdown jigsaw puzzle hobbyist to a champion at the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championships held in Spain. Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Hannah rediscovered her love for solving jigsaw puzzles and decided to elevate her skills to a competitive level.

Initially engaging in online competitions where she completed 500-piece puzzles within an hour, Hannah soon ventured into in-person competitions, starting with the state level in Melbourne in 2022. Her dedication and talent propelled her to secure a second-place finish in the 2023 Victorian competition and clinch the top position in the following year. Not confining her prowess to solo endeavors, she also thrived in pair and team competitions, demonstrating versatility and strategic acumen.

Together with her teammates Melissa Townsend, Katrina Coleman, and Rhianna Eriksen, forming the Aussie All Stars, Hannah is gearing up for the upcoming South Australian state competition. Her outstanding performance at the world championships in 2024, where she secured 29th place in the solo category, 10th in pairs, and sixth in the team event out of a vast pool of competitors, underscores her exceptional abilities and competitive spirit.

Despite the competitive nature of jigsaw puzzle championships, Hannah emphasizes the camaraderie and inclusivity within the community, where participants derive joy and fulfillment regardless of the outcome. The sport’s growing popularity has opened avenues for enthusiasts to test their skills at various levels, fostering a supportive environment that celebrates both individual achievement and collective success.

Mastering the art of jigsaw puzzle solving involves a blend of focus, speed, and strategy. Hannah’s methodical approach, which involves sorting pieces and tackling sections systematically, enables her to complete a 500-piece puzzle in an impressive 40 minutes. Her dedication to the craft is evident not only in her competition accolades but also in her personal collection of over 400 puzzles and meticulous cataloging system to track loans to friends and family.

As Hannah gears up for future competitions, including the impending South Australian challenge, her journey from a leisure activity during lockdown to a competitive pursuit at the global stage serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. Embracing the unexpected trajectory that led her to jigsaw puzzle mastery, Hannah epitomizes the spirit of determination and excellence that defines champions in any field.