Following a podium finish at his first professional event earlier this year, Sean Hayes set a Canadian record in the axle deadlift at the Static Monsters Worldwide strongman competition, Oct. 23/24 in Surrey.
The 6’2, 330-pound Courtenay man lifted 1,020 pounds — 35 pounds shy of a world record. Hayes also managed a 407-pound log overhead press, which is a Western Canadian record. He was the overall winner with a combined total of 1,427 pounds lifted.
Static Monsters consists of multiple shows with the same events (log lift and axle deadlift) held on the same weekend around the world. This year, it took place in 21 countries with about 1,500 athletes.
In the summer, the 31-year-old Hayes placed third at the 2021 Canada’s Strongest Man competition in Quebec.
READ: Courtenay athlete finishes third at Canada’s Strongest Man
His next event is the Official Strongman Games, Nov. 12-14 in Daytona Beach, Florida. This festival of strength brings together hundreds of the strongest men and women from 22 countries. They will compete for the world’s strongest title in nine divisions.
Other than the usual wear and tear that comes with the sport, Hayes is “feeling pretty good” these days.
“I’ll need it,” he said. “The Florida competition is very high level.”
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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