ARENDSEE, Germany -- Traveling over 450 miles, three Americans set out to lift monumental weight for the German Strongwoman Competition and the Arendsee Newcomer's Cup, here, July 20.
Matthias Martin, AAFES concessionaire Bavarian Treasures; Aryn Lockhart, George C. Marshall Center; and Holli Van Camp, Edelweiss Lodge and Resort, travelled from Garmisch and represented the American community as they competed with 27 of the top amateur strength athletes in Germany.
Eighteen men and nine women battled it out through four events, including a keg toss, tire flip, overhead log press, and frame deadlift.
Although it was her first competition, Van Camp took an impressive third place among the women; Lockhart finished 8th, while Martin took 16th place.
"This was an amazing competition," said Van Camp. "Everyone is out here to have a great time and move a lot of weight. All of the athletes are amazingly supportive of one another."
Alternating between the men and women, each event required unique strength. The keg toss for the women consisted of three kegs weighing 10 kilograms (22 pounds) and one keg weighing 12 kg. (26 lbs.), which had to be thrown to a height of three meters (9.8 feet).
The men's event included five kegs ranging from 10-15 kg. (22-33 lbs.), which had to be thrown over a 4.5-meter (17.8 ft.) bar. Technique and explosive power were critical skills in this event.
Next up was the tire flip. The women's tire weighed approximately 160 kg., while the men's weighed twice as much. Competitors were required to flip the tire six times.
For the next event, the log press, participants had one minute to press a 40 kg. (women) and 90 kg. (men) log over their head as many times as possible.
The final event was the frame deadlift. The women began the competition with 100 kg. (220 lbs.) and increased 20 kg. (44 lbs.) with each successful lift. The men began their deadlift at 200 kg (440 lbs.) with a 20 kg. (44 lbs.) increase after each successful lift.
The field was extremely competitive and athletes battled the heat and temperatures close to 90 degrees to compete during the four-hour event.
"This sport has always been an underground favorite," said Martin who has been competing for the past 17 years. "We're always hoping to find more competitors to welcome into this unique world. There really is nothing like it."
The event was sponsored by the German Federation of Strength Athletes.
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