Lift-off in weight challenge
Reporter NINE of the North East’s strongest women squared off in a weightlifting competition yesterday.
The super-sized contestants went toe to toe and pushed their bodies to the limits through five gruelling exercises at The Fitness Rooms in Benton, Newcastle, for the chance to be crowned the UK’s Strongest Lady Novice.
Organised by North East Strongman Promotions, challenges included the notorious Atlas stones, truck pulls and deadlifts in the promotion’s inaugural competition for women.
Mark Lawson, event organiser, said: “It was a high standard of competition.
“For being the first one we have organised, I was quite shocked by how they all did with the weights they used and the amount of reps they managed.”
After an intense afternoon of competition, it was Consett-based Kimberley Waterson who triumphed and took home the title.
All nine contenders were cheered on by dozens of spectators who turned out at the gym to see the hopefuls showcase their brute strength.
North East Strongman Promotions organise numerous regional events for men throughout the year, but Mark says interest and participation in the women’s side of the sport has increased in recent years.
He added: “The ladies side of the sport has become more popular.
“Most modern gyms now have the equipment which means everyone can try it out.”