12 of Auckland's strongest men take part in the 2016 Raiselower Auckland Strongman Series. The competition consists of four gruelling events like log lifting and lifting cars.
NZ Champion Matthew Ragg says, “This is the first Auckland event and everyone has come together. But ultimately you want more of this to happen.”
He’s had a successful year and just recently he came third at the American Arnold Classic strongest man competition, weighing in at 155 kilos.
“That was very tough. I didn't expect it to be heavy. Today feels pretty strong and a lot of new comers and their real young. There's a lot of potential. You have a few 19-year-old who are lifting like 140kgs. That's crazy,” says Ragg.
But the Auckland provincial competition wasn't a walk in the park for many. Newcomer Jacob Sionepine (Ngāpuhi) struggled on his car deadlift.
“August this year would be one year and this would be my fourth competition. I've competed with some of the strongman here but there's a few here, and it's their first comp,” says Sionepine.
With many more series to go, every competitor is looking for the ultimate prize at the end of the year to become the Auckland Strongman Champion of 2016.