Prince George is home to the strongest man and woman in the province.
Tara Green and Mike Webber claimed the 2011 titles Aug. 20 in Kamloops at the BCEAA Strongman competition.
"It's pretty cool," said Green, 21. "I can say I'm B.C.'s strongest woman."
Green beat out six other women, including the 2010 strongman champion, at McDonald Park, placing first in four of five events for 49 points. The only competition Green broke a sweat in was the fire hydrant carry - she travelled five laps [540 feet] while carrying the hydrant in her arms. The winner threw the fire hydrant over her shoulder, making breathing easier, carrying it 550 feet.
The events Green won included: the axle dead lift [30 repetitions at 225 lbs]; 40 lb kettle bell press [18 reps with one arm]; truck pull [26 seconds]; and a 160 lb stone lift [8 reps].
"It's a sense of accomplishment, knowing you've lifted this big stone," said Green.
The graduate of Prince George Secondary School began training for the strongman in June and did well at an event in Vernon, which gave her the confidence she needed to win in Kamloops. It's just another competition Green has excelled at, having conquered power lifting for the past two years.
"It's different than power-lifting; it's not so regimented," said Green. "And it's a nice break [from the gym] because you're outside doing most of the stuff."
Green said next year she may try a national strongman competition, but first up is the only professional women's power lifting event in Sacramento, Calif., in November. She'll have to fundraise to attend as it costs "about $4,000", plus she'll need to bring Webber.
"It's very difficult to compete by yourself," said Green. "You actually have to get other people to help put your gear on."
Webber actually planned to go to Kamloops to assist Green with her Strongman events, but decided to sign up to compete in the men's heavyweight category, since he'd be there anyway.
"I wasn't expecting it at all," said Webber about his win. "I was just expecting to go down and just have something to do during the day, while she does her stuff."
Webber placed first in three of the five events, including the car dead lift [20 reps of 700 lbs]; the pressing medley; and the shield carry [175 ft. walk with 350 lbs]. None of the three heavyweight competitors were able to budge the hand over hand pull of the cement truck or lift the 300 lb stone over their heads.
"I got it up to the bar, but didn't get it over," said Webber, 41.
The co-owner of X Conditioning in town said Green's dedication to her fitness regime is impressive.
"Her thing is always, 'I have to get stronger. I have to lift more than the guys lift,'" said Webber. "She's determined to get stronger all the time. In the events that we train here in town she can beat some of the guys that we train with."
Anyone interested in supporting Green in her quest to travel to Sacramento for the women's power lifting competition can stop by the gym or visit her Facebook page: support Tara Greens heavy lifting goals.
