There were 36 competitors toughing it out over four strength-based events – tyre deadlift, log press, Conan’s Wheel and Hercules Hold – across eight different experience categories for both men and women, all while being cheered on by as many as 600 spectators, who had made the short journey over on the boat.
The competition managed to raise more than £975 for Friends of Frossard Children’s Ward.
Organiser Cal Page said set-up for the event had begun at 4am on Saturday morning, with much of the action taking place near the harbour over the course of the day.
‘Conditions were perfect for a strong competition to be honest. It was sunny but a few clouds around, not too hot, not too cold.’
‘It was a long day for me personally though, I didn’t get to bed until about 3am on the Sunday.’
Among the winners on the day were Raivis Bazjuks, who emerged victorious in the men’s open competition, and Maddie Upite, who won the open category on the women’s side.
Mr Bazjuks produced one of the highlights of the event, breaking the local record for tyre deadlift with a successful lift of 361kg.
‘He also attempted 380 but he didn’t quite manage that. I reckon if he had tried 370 he would have got that,’ Mr Page said.
The masters’ categories were won by Casey Girard on the men’s side and Chloe Looijenga on the women’s side, while Matt Marriott and Steph Le Prevost finished top of the intermediates.
Liam De Jersey and Jo Duncombe won the respective novice titles.
Overall, despite a handful of pull-outs beforehand due to injury, Mr Page was delighted with how the first Herm Strongest had gone, and hoped to be able to host the event again next year.
‘Just a huge thank you to Herm Island and everyone who helped make this happen, we had to rush the awards ceremony and raffle at the end of the day but I think that was just testament to how much everyone was enjoying the competition,’ he said.
‘Now I think everyone’s eyes are on Guernsey’s Strongest in September.’
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