In the recent “Big Chief Showdown” held under the scorching sun at the Malaefatu Recreation Reserve in Sogi, Laauoleolaimalua Fereti (Male Division) and Evangeline Taylor-Pati (Female Division) demonstrated exceptional strength and endurance to win the second Strongman Samoa tournament of the year.
Athletes took on four events, including the Yoke Carry, Log Clean and Press, Deadlift Medley, and Sandbag Throws to conclude the competition. Despite the challenges, such as navigating each category, Mr. Fereti emerged victorious in the advanced men’s category, with Kaino Kasimani finishing in second place and Fritz Kasimani in third.
“I’m so grateful, and I give back the glory and thanksgiving to the Lord for the strength and the opportunity to compete in this event,” he said. Coming in second in the first Strongman Samoa competition held last April motivated him to perform better in the recent event.
Achieving success was a challenging journey for him. The 22-year-old from Talimatau had to wake up at 5:30 am daily to train, go to work, and then resume training after work. He competed because the sport felt like a natural fit for him to test his strength and inspire others. Despite initial doubts due to being overweight, he started training and eventually found confidence in the Strongman Samoa sport.
[Video: Samoa Video Production]
“Our Samoan people have raw strength; we are naturally strong people. That’s why I want to motivate other athletes who want to join. I think that with all the training, hard work, and even injuries, I can proudly say it was worth it. I dedicate this achievement to my parents and especially my grandfather, Tupuola, who recently passed away. This is for you, papa.”
In the men’s novice category, Kennedy Nofoagatotoa claimed first place, with Saia Bartley and Joshua Setefano tying for second place.
In the female advanced category, Evangeline Fa'anenefu Taylor-Pati was the overall winner, with Elsie Pesamino in second place and Michelle Lemisio in third. Mrs. Taylor-Pati acknowledged the hard work her team members put into preparing for the main event.
“For Strongman Samoa to come to the island, it’s really exciting to see the potential of all our people, young and old,” she said. “It is because we’ve never had this benchmark before to see what we can do in terms of strength.”
The 39-year-old from Satupaitea and Tanugamanono added that while battling to come first in her sport, she also had to fight through the intense heat. “Samoa’s climate is no joke, and it’s also about trying to be safe because, as an athlete, you have to take care of your body. The sport is fun when we are safe, and no one gets hurt.”
Natasha Fabricius was the winner of the women’s novice category, with Judy Katie Skelton-Keil coming in second and Chenaniah Uele Hurrell in third. Ms. Fabricius revealed that a big challenge for her was testing the different weights she needed to lift to qualify for a category. “Building up to that weight was the challenge.” But after winning her category, she says, “I feel strong, it feels great, it’s exciting times.”
The competition enabled her to truly test her limits and potential as an athlete. She emphasised that the camaraderie and sportsmanship among her teammates served as a great source of motivation during their training sessions.
Strongman Samoa's co-owner, Misa Peter Anae, says competitors from all backgrounds, including American Samoa, came together to demonstrate their stamina and strength. The event, according to Misa, was successful because of the support from his organising team, sponsors, and a group of volunteers who ensured the event ran smoothly.
“The event was more than a competition; it was a chance for families and members of the public to come, enjoy the show, and have some refreshments,” he said.
Misa also noted that the significance of the competition lies in honouring the potential of each athlete to achieve greatness through hard work and dedication. The main goal, according to the Strongman Samoa co-owner, is for local athletes to compete overseas on the World’s Strongest Man platform.
“These competitions are important to help build the confidence and capacity of our local athletes so they can compete abroad.”
As Strongman Samoa continues to make waves in the athletic community, it is evident that the sport has found a home in Samoa, paving the way for future athletes and competitions to rise to international acclaim.
[Photos by Caitlin Photography]
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