'It's pretty awesome': Manitoba's strongest man wins nationals

Over the summer, Andrew Langelaar competed in his first-ever strong-man competition, winning first place and Manitoba's Strongest Man.

Last week, Langelaar took the next step, competing in the nationals, once again coming in first. 

"Wow... what a weekend. I am now a National Champion and a Professional Strongman," said Langelaar. "It's pretty awesome."
 
Reaching this goal has been something he has wanted to do since day one.  

"People in my family tend to do things not halfway, so it was always kind of the goal. If I'm going to do this, I'm going to go professional," said Langelaar. "I didn't realize that would happen within seven months of my first competition."

Sports and athleticism have come easily to Andrew, as well as his brother Tyson who competed in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

"We don't know where this came from," said Andrew. "We were enrolled in gymnastics at a young age until we were told we were too tall to continue. We were also in swimming lessons from a young age. We played a multitude of sports, so I think just building that base of general physical property reception and literacy is huge. Can I say that's for sure? Maybe, maybe not, but I definitely don't think it's hurt us."

To win the National Champion, Andrew endured a number of difficult tasks including a 300lb of lift, a car deadlift, a sandbag medley and stone lifting.

"Honestly, it's it's a fun sport with a really, really welcoming community."

Up next, Andrew will travel to Columbus, Ohio in February to compete in the Arnold Sports Festival Amateur Strongman competition.