Strongman Ryan brings home gold
He had originally planned to compete in the novice category, as it was his first time attempting an event like this, but after leading the first night, he was pushed up into amateur category.
Powerhouse Ryan Preston (34) of Uvongo claimed the amateur division title at the Africa’s Strongest Man competition held in Rustenburg, North West Province last weekend.
He now qualifies for the Arnold Classic Africa in May next year. It’s an event he plans to compete in, if all goes well.
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The win came quite unexpectedly, as the only competitions he has competed in before have been the South Coast Strongman held at the South Coast Lions’ Show earlier this year, and a small strongman competition held in Matatiele.
“The win is a bit surreal as I have never competed in a big competition like this before and never expected to do so well,” said Ryan.
He had originally planned to compete in the novice category, as it was his first time attempting an event like this, but after leading the first night, he was pushed up into amateur category.
“I was taken by surprise, as I didn’t know what to expect. I ended up winning by eight or 10 points. I was so far ahead I didn’t need to compete in the final event,” he said.
Ryan measures 6 foot 5 inches and weighs 150 kilograms.
He won six of the seven events he competed in: deadlift for max weight (340 kg), log lift for max weight (140kg), tyre flip (450kg eight flips), yoke walk (420 kg over 20m for time), kettle bell throws over 4.6m (10 – 30kgs), 15 ton truck pull for 20m and 180kg atlas stone for reps.
His favourite event was the atlas stone.
“I had never tried the atlas stone before but it turned out to be my favourite event of the weekend, and one that I won by a long margin. The ball is solid concrete and weighs 180kg. It’s the shape that makes it difficult to pick up and lift over the bar,” he explained.
Ryan trains at Superbodies Gym, and at Parabellum Gym & MMA Club.
His number one supporter is his girlfriend, Nina van Aardt.
“She clapped and cheered me on all weekend, even through she was probably bored out of her mind,” joked Ryan.
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