Qatar’s Strongest Man pulls crowds at Aspire
The sixth edition of Qatar’s Strongest Man (QSM) attracted a large number of spectators who witnessed eight participants vying for the coveted title with a series of gruelling challenges yesterday at Aspire Park.
Fans cheered for their contenders, providing a boost as they went through the Conan’s Wheel (lifting and carrying a 180kg bar on a rotating platform), sand bag lifting (taking sand bags off a box and placing it on high stands), giant wheel tyre flipping (120kg tyre down a 25m course), Farmer’s Walk (lifting 120kg in each arm and walk for 25m) and truck pulling (6-tonne truck for 25m).
Kenyan participant and 34-year-old Cristopher Ojwang Oketch, who won the strongest expat title at QSM 2017, returned this year to defend his crown. Other participants were Kenyans Joseph Iroo Ekadeli (37) and Samuel Wainina (35); Egyptians Hussam Uldin Rashad (40), Mohamed Mahmoud (32), Mohamed Dweidar (27), and Ahmad Mahmoud Dawy; and American Jaron Greene (31).
“We have seen how fast and strong Cristopher (Oketch) was during the competition last year. He is the man to beat but a newcomer like Samuel (Wainina) has a huge potential,” said Pradeep V who has been watching the event’s past two editions.
“We also cannot discount Joseph Iroo (Ekadeli) who bagged the second place in 2017 (and 2014 title holder), and third place Mohamed (Dweidar) who are determined to break records this year,” he stressed.
Organisers noted that the winners of this year’s edition will be announced on Sunday (December 9). The audience also had the chance to take part in a number of community activities such as basketball, football and volleyball games, especially for families and children, as part of QSM 2018 at Aspire Park.
The annual athletic event and its side activities aim to encourage residents to participate in sports and recreational endeavours which promote active and healthy lifestyle.
Besides coffee and food stalls offering picnickers at the park with snacks and drinks, organisers also gave visitors and fans an opportunity to enter a raffle draw to win prizes presented by sponsors such as Sports Corner, Ooredoo, De Boer and Kidzania at the event.