Western Canada's Strongest Man, the top show and only qualifier for Canada's Strongest Man in western Canada, was held in downtown Duncan as part of the Canada Day celebrations on July 1.

The show brought in professional strongmen plus the top amateurs from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and B.C. - a best-on-best competition.

Comox Valley's Sean Hayes didn't have high hopes as he faced several issues throughout the past year, including a ruptured PCL (knee) in November (which hasn't been repaired), a torn pectoral in December, then two back-to-back abdominal surgeries in January.

"I know I'm one of the strongest in western Canada, and the strongest man from B.C. ever, but training was obviously not optimal. I only entered as a chance to perform in a professional show in front of my three kids."

However, Hayes excelled, with results in the six events being:

- 900 lb yoke carry, finishing the 75-foot course in 14 seconds

- 325 lb log overhead press, managing four reps

- Uneven carry, 300 lbs in one hand and 250 lbs in the other, walking 85 feet

- 550 lbs front carry for 75 feet then 320 lbs sandbag, loading it five times

- 65 lbs front hold (arms extended straight out), lasting 33 seconds

- Deadlift, needing and making an 805 lbs deadlift to win the entire show.

This makes Hayes western Canada's Strongest Man once again, for the third time in the last four years (no-shows were held in 2020).

Another Comox Valley athlete - Kalem Nygren - finished 16 as an amateur.

The Fitness Excellence 2024 Comox Valley Strength Fest qualifier was held in the Valley on July 6. Some top local performances:

- Eliyana Hayes (Hayes' 10-year-old daughter) won the U19 class, including a 200 lbs deadlift personal record

- Alice Elstub (Hayes' Garage Gym) won the Open Women class, including 390 lbs tire deadlift national record

- Nicole Pederson (also HGG) won second in the Open Women's class, dominating the truck pull

- Eric Timmons (HGG) won fourth in the Men's Middleweight

- Val Nefedox (HGG) won third in Men's Middleweight, competing as a lightweight

- Cain Manton (Fitness Excellence) won second in Men's Heavyweight

All of the above athletes have qualified for the provincial championships in September.