STRONGMAN Justin Motbey blacked out attempting his goal of 400 kilograms in the Deadlift event at the World Strength Games (WGS) in Utah last week, but left the tournament proud of his efforts.
Competing as an amateur, Glenreagh local Motbey, 36, placed 10th out of 13 competitors and didn’t injure himself – a win in his books.
On day one Motbey competed in the Log Lift – lifting 300 pounds, achieving 7th place.
In the Farmers Carry he got across the line lifting 280 pounds per hand, placing 12th.
“The third event for the day was the Magnus Stone, a 402-pound quarry stone that was incredibly awkward to get off the floor let alone walk with,” Motbey told News Of The Area.
“I withdrew from that event due to my half-torn biceps and knowing that it could injure them more.”
Hampered by nose bleeds owing to the altitude, all competitors were slightly off their best performances.
“We worked out that the altitude was different hence the nose bleeds,” he said.
“The altitude we were at was 880m above sea level, Coffs is 10m above sea level, a big difference of 8-15 pecent reduction in oxygen, so we went to Walmart and stocked up on some oxygen in a can.”
Day two saw Justin do the “Yoke” 855-pound lift and carry, coming in 9th.
Travelling to the championships with his wife Shez, the couple were overwhelmed with the camaraderie amongst the competitors and their supporters.
“You’ve never met a community of competitors like it, rallying together to cheer each other on even if you are against them in the division,” Shez said.
“The hype they give each other is amazing.”
The Motbeys met up with Australian competitors from Townsville – Jesse Lowe, Darcey Tamblyn and Korrissa Johnson – a few days before the competition at visited Sand Hollow State Park, Utah.
Joining up with another competitor, Nick Rosser from Orange, the Australians rallied for each other at the tournament.
“Everyone encouraged each other and made sure each competitor performed at their best no matter what,” Shez said.
By Andrea FERRARI
