Sport / Orcadian claims top strongman title
AN ORCADIAN has won Shetland’s strongest man competition after a hard-fought contest on Saturday.
Calum Elder, 38, said he was “proud” to have won the title having been placed third and fourth in the past.
Coming in second place on Saturday was Jonathan Manson, followed by Alexander Nicol.
In the men’s novice category Harry Bedding came out top, following Adam Gryzb and Ethan Bradley.
A novice contest was held for Shetland’s strongest women, with Vickki Mackay coming top followed by Tegan Patterson and Claire Smith.
Bradley also won a new sportsmanship trophy which was created in memory of the late Jonni Manson.
Hosted by the Shetland Weight Training Club, the event was held in a unit at the Arlanda Industrial Estate in Lerwick.
Elder said the training club team “always put on a great event, and this year was no different”.
“Having placed third in 2021 and fourth in 2022, I knew how stiff the competition would be,” he continued.
“I think it’s been a long time since an Orcadian has come out on top of the pile against the Shetlanders.”
Elder won four out of his six events and tied for first on the last one. However he came last in the sandbag event and slightly injured his back.
“A quick massage and some painkillers got me over the line, winning by 1.5 points.” Elder said.
His wife Inga also made the trip to Shetland to take part in the women’s event in what was her first competition.
“She did really well and I’m mega proud of her,” Elder said.
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