Impressive display of strength at Cayman’s Second Strongman Competition

Some of Cayman’s finest athletes put on a real show of strength over the weekend at the second annual Cayman Islands Strongman Competition which took place in front of an enthusiastic and supportive crowd at the Lion’s Centre.  

Twenty-one athletes – including one female – contended for the title of Cayman’s strongest in lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight and ladies’ divisions. A few of them also competed in teams. Three of the divisions attracted a few youth competitors who were all hungry to show their older counterparts that they were up to the challenge in the five events – Conan Walk, Deadlift Ladder, Truck Pull, Carry and Load Medley and Atlas Stones.

“We are so excited to be able to bring the Cayman Islands Strongman Competition back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The athletes were impressive and put on a good show for the spectators, especially the youth competitors who displayed immense determination and skill.

It is our vision to continue to grow the sport here in Cayman because we believe it not only builds physical strength as demonstrated in the competition, but it has helped many people, young and old alike, develop their mental resilience, which is so important in these days in which we’re living,” said Tony McInerny, President of the Cayman Islands Powerlifting Organisation, which hosted the event. 

The competition was fierce from the outset as Rich Lawtey set off at a blistering pace on the Conan Walk. The Deadlift Ladder event was next, and athletes competed side by side with each other for the first time in the contest, resulting in several neck-and-neck races, particularly in the men’s heavyweight category.

In the Truck Pull the entire field in the men’s middleweight category were separated by less than two seconds. Louane Silva, the only female competitor, showed some of the men how it’s done in the Carry and Load Medley, shifting all five objects in a lightning fast 1:14 with a devastating combination of strength and speed.

In the Atlas Stones competition Jordan McErlean stunned the crowd by placing all four hefty slabs atop their platforms in just 10 seconds, claiming his crown in the men’s heavyweight.

Prizes were awarded for first, second and third place in their categories as well as to the winning team, which was Pig Trotters, a group of rugby players.

Proceeds from the event, including a raffle, will be donated to the Alex Panton Foundation and United Against Bullying charities.  

The Cayman Islands Strongman Competition was sponsored by Waystone, Ministry of Sports, Crown Events & Rentals, MAC Plumbing and Maintenance Services, Cayman National, FastSigns, Hopscotch Productions, Kelly Holding Events & Communications, HOT 104.1 FM, X 107.1 FM, Business Tailored Solutions, Accountability Services Ltd., Car City, Vine and Tap and Coke.