Strongman world beater

A Rockingham gym has gained heavy bragging rights after becoming home to the World’s Strongest Man under 90kg.

Ngarimu Ahipene, who trains at Injustice CrossFit Gym in Rockingham, competed at the international Strongman Games in Florida earlier this month, putting his strength to the ultimate test.

Competing in six events over three days, Ahipene was put through his paces physically and emotionally before he was crowned the strongest man in the world in the under-90kg category.

On day one, Ahipene competed in and won the 130kg Viking press event and placed sixth in the farmers walk, where competitors carried 130kg per hand walking 15m up, then turning to walk another 15m back.

Entering day two in first place, Ahipene took on the deadlift ladder medley, which included lifting four bars weighing 225kg, 265kg, 290kg and 308kg each, before throwing himself into the loading medley carrying a120kg sandbag, 125kg keg and 125 Husafell stone in sled and dragging it back.

The third day of competition was more to Ahiphene’s liking with the 125kg axle press and reps a favourite.

“I won that event on the last day, which was a good one for me because I set the world record in my weight class for that event at a competition in Hillarys earlier this year,” he said.

It was then on to the final event — lifting 170kg, 180kg, 190kg handles up four stairs each as part of the power stairs.

Having only started participating in strongman about 21/2 ago and competing for the first time at the end of 2017, Ahipene said he attributed his success to his strength coach Maximus McCall and his background in training CrossFit.

“My CrossFit background gave me a huge advantage going into the competition,” he said.

“CrossFit takes you to a hard space mentally, so I think that preparation was a big help.

“But I really enjoy lifting heavy weights.

“It stimulates me mentally and it feels really good to be strong.

“It’s a cool sport ... you’re often lifting implements and equipment that are not meant to be lifted. “I’ve got three daughters as well, so they really enjoy seeing me compete and I love how it inspires them as well.”

Ahipene won WA Strongest Man in 2017 and 2018 and has an Arnold Sports Championships title.

He will again take on the State’s best at the WA Strongman State titles at Elizabeth Quay on December 7.

Personal bests:

Best dead lift - 308kg

Best axle press - 166kg

Best back squat - 300kg

Best Husafell stone -180kg