RHYS THOMAS
THE 2023 Static Monsters Cairns competition has been hailed a massive success as athletes not only competed with others from across the world, but most importantly with themselves.
Held at Iron Strength Power & Performance in Portsmith on Saturday 28 October, the competition was hotly contested as 36 athletes took to the platform and displayed amazing feats of strength.
Over 35 competitors had their chance at the strongman axel deadlift and log press, two of the most iconic lifts in strongman competition.
A select few ranked in the top 10 in their respective category worldwide including the two overall winners from the Cairns Static Monsters.
Kristy Wells placed second globally in the under 52.5kg female class while Luke Keiger from Townsville was ranked ninth place in the under 90kg men class – he also took out the best log press in his category.
Iron Strength coach Elias Wright was absolutely blown away by the quality of the lifts and the level of sportsmanship that was displayed, especially by Natasha Lester and Keiger who ended up winning Most Valuable Strongwoman and Strongman respectively.
“This award was collaboratively chosen by Coach E and Tiz of Recovery Lab Cairns, who was volunteering as athlete coordinator on the night,” Wright said.
“Tiz wanted to acknowledge and reward two athletes who displayed a great attitude, showed real passion for the sport, and embodied our values & community spirit.
“This year Natasha Lester & Luke Keiger took out this prestigious award – both these athletes conducted themselves with incredible sportsmanship throughout the entire night, and were a pleasure to watch.”
A full gallery of photos from the Static Monsters event taken by their photographer will be posted on Connect FNQ in the next few days.
Keep up with the latest news in Cairns and the Far North, and check out some of our top stories this week: Further assistance provided to fire-affected primary producers and Investment in healthy eating at tuckshops.
