News / Faroe duo win at strongman contest
THIS YEAR’s North Isles Strongest Man competition saw two Faroese muscle-men win gold.
The event took place at a busy Clickimin Leisure Centre Complex in Lerwick on Saturday – but those hoping to see a local take the title were left disappointed.
Instead, Faroe’s Bjarni Nielsen won the main competition by four points and his compatriot Óli Arnfríðuson Andresen bagged the novice title.
The silver medal – and subsequently Shetland’s Strongest Man honour – went to Dhanni Moar, who fought off Colin Arthur in the atlas stone finale as the men lifted weights of up to 160kg.
The pair ended up equal on points, but Moar enjoyed a better head-to-head record throughout the day.
The crowds were kept entertained throughout the afternoon as they watched around 17 competitors in total huff and puff their way through events such as log lift, car deadlift and tyre flip.
Nielsen, who was competing in Shetland for the first time, said that he injured his knee in the first event – but he managed to battle through the pain.
“It went well. I won the competition, so you can’t complain.
“I don’t think you can do anything prouder for Faroe – you send two guys off and they win two titles.”
Runner-up Moar meanwhile said he was “pretty pleased” with how the day went, adding that the backstage was “tense” at times as the strongmen went to battle.
“I was really happy with the first half,” the now five-time Shetland champion said.
“I definitely took a dip at around half-time and I was really disappointed with that, but I pulled it out the bag with the stones.”
Event organiser and chairman of the Shetland Weight Training Club Stuart Moar meanwhile paid tribute to both the competitors and the crowd, who turned out in their hundreds.
“It’s been absolutely brilliant, and it went down to the last event.
“It was so, so close for the Shetland title.”
This year’s North Isles Strongest Man saw Faroe men competing for the first time, while Orkney’s current strongest man Stewart Flett also entered.
Moar said that Iceland could be next to take part in the event.
“Then it really will be the North Isles – Shetland, Orkney, Faroe and Iceland.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
