Twelve competitors put their strength to the test on the Haselwood Family YMCA's front lawn this summer, with friends and family cheering them on. The strongman competition even drew community members who spotted the action and asked to join.
Members have been asking for the event to return for years. Sam Horn, Senior Health and Wellbeing Director at the Haselwood Family YMCA, helped make it happen.
"I thought, let's bring it back," Sam said. "And let's make it big."
As part of the YMCA's Summer Series, the competition gave members a new way to challenge themselves and bring the energy of the weight room outdoors.
Putting Strength to the Test
Participants began with a trap bar deadlift before moving to a Powerball toss. Tony, a full-time custodian at the Y, sent a 10-pound ball about 13 yards.
The farmers carry challenged competitors to carry heavy plates along a 50-yard course. Men used 100-pound plates, while women used 45-pound plates. A timed Atlas Stone event finished the competition.
A Community Cheering Them On
As competitors worked through each event, staff stayed alongside them with encouragement.
"It was so much fun to run alongside them and cheer them on," Sam shared.
Friends and family helped create what he called a "fantastic, electric environment." That enthusiasm reached beyond the competitors' supporters.
"We had quite a few people from the community join in," Sam said. "They saw it happening on the front lawn and were all in."
The competition gave members a chance to put their training to the test with their community behind them. With a strong turnout and enthusiasm for its return, Sam is already imagining plans for next year.