Event draws contestants from B.C., Alberta and Australia

Excitement is mounting as 24 athletes from Cranbrook, Columbia Valley, Alberta and Australia prepare for the 2018 Strongman Classic.

The event, now in its 15th year, features six challenges for men and five for women. With traditional strongman challenges, such as Atlas Stones and Super Yolk, it’s no wonder this event draws hundreds of spectators every year. A crowd favourite is the Harness Truck Pull, where athletes test their cardio and overall body strength by pulling a semi-truck.

New this year is the Conan’s Wheel, an event that’s described as “brutal and painful” for even the strongest.

Invitations to the Strongman Classic are sent out October 15 for the following year’s show, with athletes having until the first week in December to sign up. For 2018, however, the roster was full in 48 hours for the men and less than a week for the women.

The first Strongman Classic was held in 2004 and word of mouth is how it grew from a small idea to what has become a staple of Cranbrook’s Sam Steele Days festival.

“I first heard of the Strongman Classic from some of the more seasoned veterans in the sport at The Strength Edge gym,” said Josh Cloherty of Calgary, Alberta. “They all told me how great it was and how much fun they had competing that I knew I had to give it a go.”

The event’s success is due to the dedication of the volunteers and sponsors as well as the contestants themselves.

“I like competing in the Strongman Classic because there is always some tough competition and it is a well run event with a fun crowd,” said Anthony Speranza of Calgary. “I also really enjoy spending time with the other athletes and learning from them. Everyone is there to have a good time and help each other do the best that they can.”

Strongman as a professional sport is observed around the world. The Strongman Circuit of Canada reports that in our country the sport is at a turning point, with a new generation of athletes looking for opportunities to reach their goals and grow into professional athletes on an international level.

What motivates them? Bryan Fennell of Cranbrook explained: “There are two reasons why I compete. The first is simple: we all compete with others in a variety of ways. Some people run, some people play hockey—I lift heavy objects. The other reason is somewhat more involved. A hundred pounds is always a hundred pounds, so you always have that constant to measure yourself against.”

The 2018 Strongman Classic will take place Saturday, June 16, during Sam Steele Days.

See contestants and their bios

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