TOWAOC – Even in a world where unique sporting events have become the norm rather than the exception, strongman competitions stand out.
Requiring competitors to flip tires, haul vehicles and partake in numerous other challenging activities, competitions push even the most chiseled to their Herculean limits.
In no way intimidated by such physical and mental strains, 17 competitors arrived Saturday in Towaoc for the fourth annual Ute Mountain Strongman Competition.
Matching themselves against some of the Four Corners’ strongest individuals, participants battled heat and fatigue, competing in five events over the course of two hours.
By the time all was said and done, two people had captured individual titles, and numerous others performed admirably.
Leading the way in the men’s division was Arizona resident Kenji McCoo, whose ability to efficiently flip a 320-pound tractor tire, carry two 155-pound weights, deadlift 405 pounds numerous times, pull a 6,500-pound Hummer and stack five 150-pound kegs helped him finish first overall.
“I’m a competitive power-lifter, and I work in the mines,” he said after the competition. “That all prepares me for this.”
Capturing top honors in the women’s division for the second consecutive year was Dolores resident Alix Skala, whose ability to drag a 4,500-pound Jeep 22 feet, 8 inches, was impressive.
“(The competition) went really well,” said Skala, who trains five days per week at Para Bellum Fitness in Cortez. “I performed a little better than I thought I would, and I had some great competition.”
Every year, the competition attracts some of the area’s strongest men and women, said event organizer Rob Robson.
“It’s a community event,” said Robson, a bodybuilder and power-lifter who often competes in national competitions. “I try to have it out here on the reservation to encourage people to get off their seats.”
One individual who was thankful for the opportunity to get outside the house was Austin Lansing, who finished first in the “Hummer Pull” event, dragging a 6,500-pound vehicle 12 feet, 6 inches.
He noted the event’s community atmosphere.
“(The crowd) helps you out a lot and really motivates you,” he said. “I enjoy the (Ute Mountain Strongman Competition). It’s a lot better than basketball tournaments.”
