News / Faroe duo win at strongman contest
THIS YEAR’s North Isles Strongest Man competition saw two Faroese muscle-men win gold.
The event took place at a busy Clickimin Leisure Centre Complex in Lerwick on Saturday – but those hoping to see a local take the title were left disappointed.
Instead, Faroe’s Bjarni Nielsen won the main competition by four points and his compatriot Óli Arnfríðuson Andresen bagged the novice title.
The silver medal – and subsequently Shetland’s Strongest Man honour – went to Dhanni Moar, who fought off Colin Arthur in the atlas stone finale as the men lifted weights of up to 160kg.
The pair ended up equal on points, but Moar enjoyed a better head-to-head record throughout the day.
The crowds were kept entertained throughout the afternoon as they watched around 17 competitors in total huff and puff their way through events such as log lift, car deadlift and tyre flip.
Nielsen, who was competing in Shetland for the first time, said that he injured his knee in the first event – but he managed to battle through the pain.
“It went well. I won the competition, so you can’t complain.
“I don’t think you can do anything prouder for Faroe – you send two guys off and they win two titles.”
Runner-up Moar meanwhile said he was “pretty pleased” with how the day went, adding that the backstage was “tense” at times as the strongmen went to battle.
“I was really happy with the first half,” the now five-time Shetland champion said.
“I definitely took a dip at around half-time and I was really disappointed with that, but I pulled it out the bag with the stones.”
Event organiser and chairman of the Shetland Weight Training Club Stuart Moar meanwhile paid tribute to both the competitors and the crowd, who turned out in their hundreds.
“It’s been absolutely brilliant, and it went down to the last event.
“It was so, so close for the Shetland title.”
This year’s North Isles Strongest Man saw Faroe men competing for the first time, while Orkney’s current strongest man Stewart Flett also entered.
Moar said that Iceland could be next to take part in the event.
“Then it really will be the North Isles – Shetland, Orkney, Faroe and Iceland.”
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