James Ward wins ESM Under90kg
ENGLISHMAN James Ward from Luton lifted the title of Europe’s Strongest Man Under 90kg in Letterkenny this weekend.
“I’m totally elated and exhausted,” said an overwhelmed Ward. “I was very well aware of the stiff competition around me. These men are serious athletes and any one of them could have taken the title. To be Europe’s first Strongman Under 90kg is a huge honour. I’ll definitely be back next year to defend my title.”
Breaking pain barriers with excrutiating lifting, pulling, dragging and carrying events Ward beat off stiff competition from runner up Shay Ryan who is Ireland’s reigning Under 90kg champion. The Wexford athlete had the chance to lift the title in the final event Stones of Strength but he couldn’t beat Ward with both lifting three out of five stones.
“A spectacular event with massive shows of support from the North West” was how co-organiser Dave Warner of Renegade Strongman described the event. “I really want to bring this event back to Letterkenny and after this week, that is a strong possibility.”
Nigel Drein of Motiv8 Fitness who was also responsible for bringing the event to Letterkenny congratulated the business people who invested in the international competition.
“Without financial support from Letterkenny Town Council and our business partners we could not have staged the event. But we believe they got a return on investment with the event being broadcast on Setanta Sports and quite possibly Eurosport. A special word of thanks to our little mascots who performed their duties magnificently and to all the mums and dads who came along too.”
Former World Strongman Darren Sadler acted as Head Referee. He says, “The organisation, professionalism and goodwill was spectacular. I expect Europe’s Strongest Man Under 90kg will be making a return to Letterkenny.”
Gavn Redmont pulls the van in the Arm over Arm Event
