Last weekend I had the privilege of competing in the IHGF Stones of Strength World Championship in Fefor, Norway. Wow... just wow 😻.
(If you have the chance to check out my Instagram, I did save all of my story posts in a highlight reel; unfortunately, I cannot export that nor link directly to it).
Before I talk about the comp, I want to share a little about why this trip was extra special for me. Not only was the opportunity to travel overseas a blessing in and of itself, but the timing could not have been better. Many people know about the emotional struggles I’ve faced for most of my life... and back in February, when I was first metaphorically handed this golden ticket, it was a lifeline from above. Having this trip to look forward to added a much needed light to my darkness... then the actual trip? Well, I couldn’t have made it better. Ok, maybe more sunshine? But nope, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I had SO much fun. I met some amazing people from all over the world... friendships blossomed that I know will last a lifetime. 💋💋
The events were as follows:
- 48kg stone clean & press 1 min AMRAP [6]
- 60-70-80-90kg Natural stone load & carry medley [56.8 seconds]
- 116kg Hussafel carry for distance [100ft?]
- 10kg stone put [753cm]
- 80-90-103-112-120kg Atlas Stones [27.5 seconds]
All day I chased the pro strongwomen. I focused on being precise and not making mistakes. I didn’t want to drop anything and I didn’t want to flare up my lifters elbow... so could I have been faster? Probably, but I’m proud of my performance! I won the throw and set a new field record (753cm) without actually using my throwing technique 💁🏻♀️ I started blacking out with the Hussy, but I was so stoked to get that thing off the ground without tacky...I needed to breathe. I finished in 4th place overall, missing the podium by only half a point!
My take aways: I’m extremely proud of my performance, especially as I am still so new to Strongman and strength sports. Competing is way more fun when you make friends and laugh all day. I need to travel outside of the US way more... the world of strength sports is full of so many other beautiful weirdos 💜 I am really interested in trying Highland Games and dialing back in my throws... so, I’m going to look into what comps are in my area this year and maybe jump in one for fun to see how I do 🤗
I need to say a bunch of thank yous:
Casey & Nyck. What an incredible thing... you two got me this incredible opportunity simply because you saw something in me. I’ve never had that happen before in my life. The fact that you picked me out of the masses, gave me the opportunity of a lifetime... and then coached me for free, there aren’t words for just how grateful I am! Casey, thank you for hearing my concerns about my health and encouraging me to get my blood tests. I don’t know how much longer I would have continued to just "deal with" the issues I was facing if you hadn’t been so adamant about me talking to your FM. Guys, thank you.
To Francis & Kikki & Fefor Hotel! THANK YOU! It was an absolute honor to be a part of this year’s event and I really do hope I can come out again. You all put so much work into making the week perfect, and it was: The best week I’ve had in a very very long time.
S10 Fitness. Thank you guys for giving me so much of your time and really helping me peel away the layers to figure out why I’ve been having elbow pain. You guys have trained your eyes to see everything--big picture and tiny details. Thank you dropping so much knowledge and reducing my pain... and for being super cool humans on top of it all.
Spencer from Victory Athletics. The stone sleeves are a game changer!! Thank you so much for the support.
