05/07/2026
Wow! what an experience. 😁
Easily the best competition I’ve ever done. Everything was run at such a high level: professional, well organised, but still relaxed and enjoyable for athletes. From the itinerary and athlete environment, to the livestream, photography, promotion, judging and standards, huge credit to Peter Anae, Ryan Walker, and the whole organising team Strongman Samoa Club Samoa Strength Federation Incorporated Outstanding event.😎
This is why I love strongman. Every event tests something different! Strength, conditioning, athleticism, pacing, and strategy. Nothing is ever in one person’s favour, and that’s what makes it special. 💪
Day 1 was a tight battle between myself, Albert Tuala Ladewig and Stephen for the top three. By Day 2, Albert looked strong enough to secure the win with his overhead and huge deadlift, but the fight for 2nd between me and Stephen stayed close right to the end.
Overhead was the one I’m most frustrated with. I’d hit those weights in training, but the heat and thick air added a factor I wasn’t properly conditioned for. That axle medley just wasn’t there on the day, I don’t even fully remember the third lift, which says a lot about how cooked I was.
Deadlift felt solid, 220kg went well. 240kg was likely a bit out of reach on the day; 230kg would’ve been a strong +5% PB, so I’m happy to finish with 220kg.
By stones I was completely gassed, nauseous, light-headed, and overheating. First time doing atlas stones in competition, so the goal was simply to get through it. In hindsight, there’s definitely time to improve there. Could’ve been faster.
That finish was wild 🤣 me and Stephen tied for 2nd, and it came down to a front hold tie-breaker. I came in at 88kg, and I’m genuinely glad it came down to an event rather than bodyweight. I wouldn’t have wanted to place higher off scales alone.
In the moment, I told myself I’d only stop when I hit the floor… and apparently I stopped being present about halfway through 😅 I fully zoned out and just kept holding even after it was over.
I’m hungrier than ever to get back into training, keep improving where it matters, and come back even better. Looking forward to 2027.
Frontyard to the WORLD! ✈️ 🌎