Over 200 people attended The Empire Bodyshop’s second Grudge Match last weekend in Beenleigh, to watch some of Logan’s strongest men, women and kids battle it out to win the strong(wo)man title.
Among the competitors was mother and son team Ashley and Liam Bowden, who placed first in their divisions – making them one of Logan’s strongest families.
Mrs Bowden said she is fairly new to the sport and only started competing in November 2021.
“We had an opportunity to learn the technique behind lifting atlas stones from our resident strongman Brad Currell. I was not able to attend this masterclass so my coach included this in our group class and as soon as I lifted my first stone I was hooked,” she said.
“I asked my coach if we could talk about me starting to train and learn the ways of the sport.”
“I love that there is no cookie cutter ideal for the athletes that compete, this sport allows all walks of life.”
The full-day competition – which included a 40metre yoke walk, an atlas stone over bar event, overhead medley, Hercules hold and carry medley – also allowed juniors to compete with parent approved weights.
For Mr Bowden who is 15-years-old, this is his third competition in the juniors division.
“My friends think it is really cool because it’s so different,” he said.
“I really love it, I want to lift more and get bigger.”
“I’m keen to do any upcoming comps that have a juniors division.”
The Empire Bodyshop’s Director and Lead Coach, Emma Cobb said Grudge Match 2 was a record breaking event for Novice Competition in Queensland.
“The first Grudge Match (February 2022) we ran was capped at 30 Competitors, this one was capped at 50 Competitors with a waitlist of 20 at one point,” she said.
“The competition was designed to be an entry level for new competitors into strength sports such as Strongman/woman which was athlete and sportsmanship focused.”
“It was important for us to bring back enjoyable, inclusive and a supportive competition environment that brought out the best in every athlete on the day.”
Mrs Cobb said 2023 is set to be The Empire Bodyshop’s biggest year with more strongman/women competitions, powerlifting competitions, family events including The Empire Games as well as Mini Hulk Division events designed for kids under 8.
The Empire Bodyshop is located at 1 Logan River Road, Beenleigh.
