25th and 26th August 2012
Originally I didn't want to do an under 24 comp for the same reason I moved up from the u105 class - it seemed to devalue the comp a bit. However, after thinking about it and after missing the seniors qualifiers through injury I decided to give it a shot.
The comp was run by Glenn Ross and took place in Belfast. Glenn sorted out everyone's travel and put on a great comp. Here's a quick overview of how things went.
DAY 1
Delayed start due to the seniors comp which resulted in alot of waiting around. Finally got going around 7pm.
Event 1 - Strongman Push/Pull Medley
This consisted of a press superseted with the single powerstair load. I nailed the log, axle and 2 of the powerstairs before I failed on the Inch dumbbell. I just couldn't get it to sit right on my shoulder. Finished 3rd. Disappointing start.
Event 2 - Titanic Hold
Basically a Hercules Hold and I cocked it right up. Didn't have balance at all and dropped the pillars around 30sec in. 5th. Terrible.
Very Bad day for me. At this point Chris Bundell led with 2 event wins so I had a tough task to catch him.
DAY 2
Started at 12noon and the sun was shining. Aimed to win every event today.
Event 3 - 240kg Axle Deadlift
Went out early and did 12 reps. Hoped that would be enough and luckily it was. 1st Place. Good Start.
Event 4 - Carry Drag medley
100kg atlas stone carry and load into a 300kg chain and anchor drag. Was always going to be a good event for me. Smashed it in 28secs. 1st Place.
Event 5 - Car Deadlift hold.
With straps. Horrible event. Was head to head with Chris on this one and it took everything I had to just out hold him. 61sec. 3rd Place (thought I had second but apparently one of the Irish lads beat me)
Event 6 - Titanic Cask Circle
Billed as 250kg this was by far the hardest Conan's wheel I have ever done. I managed 270 degrees for a comfortable win but it was super tough. 1st Place
Event 7 - Big Daddy Dumbbell
A 60kg Dumbbell which is light but this one was HUGE. I knew I needed to get 8 reps to win and I did just that. Was good for double figures. 1st Place
Event 8 - Atlas Stones
Super high platforms. Watched all the other guys struggle before me. At this point I was leading Chris by 2 points so I knew I only had to load 4 stones to win. Took my time and shouldered the first 3 stones then popped up the 4th. Re tacked and loaded the final stone for the event win. 1st Place.
Really relieved to have won the comp. Chris pushed me to the limit and I'm really happy he had a good comp and got 2nd place.
Onwards to the Elite Strongman's Brits final in 2 weeks time...
Good man!
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