Guernsey’s Strongest Club event pulls in the crowds

More than 30 competitors took on the challenge, working through a series of events – including pulling a six-tonne truck – in front of a hugely supportive crowd gathered outside the Last Post pub.

Novice strongman Dan Brown, 39, was one of the few to successfully drag the vehicle from one side of the car park to the other and had his own special motivation for taking part.

‘I had a really nasty accident three years ago which left me in intensive care for quite some time and this was my first target,’ he said.

‘I train with one of the other competitors, Jon, and worked for two years to get to this. If I don’t lift anything else, moving that truck up that hill is amazing.’

Fellow novice Georgia Blumsom, 26, said the support from the crowd made a big difference on the day, which kicked off with a tyre deadlift and finished with a keg loading race.

‘It’s so nice to hear everyone cheering for you and shouting for you, it really eggs you on. There’s loads of camaraderie,’ she said.

‘The team spirit is really nice and everyone’s really supportive of each other.

‘It’s hard work and it’s hot but I’m really enjoying it.’

With three entrants from Jersey in the field, competition was fierce and event organiser Gail Girard praised all those who took part for their efforts.

‘We have got super-lightweight women who are pulling deadlifts that you would not have seen five years ago, she said.

‘I am so proud of everyone who’s come out and supported – so, so proud of the atmosphere that’s come from it. Everyone’s got behind it.

‘The competitors have surpassed where I thought they were going to get to. They should all be so proud of themselves’.