In a quaint locale known as Earnewâld, the Netherlands recently buzzed with palpable energy and anticipation. September 16th marked the onset of a strength-filled weekend as the 2023 U105KG Netherlands Strongest Man competition commenced. But the excitement didn’t wane as the very next day, it was time for the formidable women to flex their muscles in the 2023 Netherlands Strongest Woman (Open) event. Emerging from these intense battles, Patricia Smit and Yoell Blom were crowned champions in their respective divisions.
Challenges: Identical Yet Diverse
Both the Men’s U105KG and Women’s divisions engaged in identical challenges, with the weight being the differentiating factor. Yet, their journeys through these challenges painted diverse narratives. While Patricia Smit’s triumph in the women’s division was hard-fought, culminating in a narrow two-point lead, the men’s division hinted at a clearer forecast, with outcomes appearing evident even before the finale.
2023 Netherlands Strongest Woman (Open) Results
- Patricia Smit — 61 points
- Mayke Van Wouven — 59 points
- Femke Huisman — 58 points
- Elisa Hessels — 51 points
- Kelly Franssen — 48 points
- Jamie Lee Boudri — 42 points
- Christel Veenstra — 31 points
- Rowena Wehnes — 31 points
- Chelsea Schweiger — 25 points
- Linda Schenk — 24 points
- Yvonne Allards — 21 points
- Femkje Buijs — 17 points
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2023 U105KG Netherlands Strongest Man Results
- Yoell Blom — 65 points
- Joey Henraath — 57.5 points
- Wim Van De Groep — 53 points
- Christian Van Elderen — 48 points
- Randy Doornekamp — 45 points
- Ruben Van Kreij — 45 points
- John-Mark Bolwerk — 44.5 points
- Jeffrey Laterveer — 38 points
- Tom Van De Burg — 26 points
- Toni Pieters — 23 points
- Alex Schiltmans — 13 points
- Kane Verberkt — 10 points
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2023 Netherlands Strongest Woman (Open) Event Recap
Event1: Deadlift Ladder
A Test of Power and Strategy
In the opening event, athletes were presented with a nuanced challenge: five successive deadlifts, each increasing in weight. Beginning at 140 kilograms, the increments climbed by 20 kilograms for every subsequent lift. The twist, however, was that the athletes were empowered with a choice. They could opt to remain at any weight increment and attempt as many repetitions as they desired. Yet, this strategy bore risk: even if one managed multiple reps at a lighter weight, they could be eclipsed by a single successful rep at a higher weight by another competitor.
Patricia Smit: The Force to Reckon With
Eyeing her third national title, Patricia Smit approached the event with unparalleled determination. Her strength was unmatched as she executed three reps with the heaviest deadlift, a feat no other contestant could replicate.
Femke Huisman’s Gallant Attempt
Not to be overshadowed, Femke Huisman showcased remarkable prowess. She joined Patricia as the only other woman to successfully hoist the imposing 220 kilograms. Despite her commendable effort, she managed just one rep, preventing her from narrowing the gap with the event’s victor.
- Patricia Smit — 3 in 65.59 s (220-kg)
- Femke Huisman — 1 in 42.17 s (220-kg)
- Kelly Franssen — 1 in 21.52 s (200-kg)
- Yvonne Allards — 1 in 43.93 s (200-kg)
- Mayke Van Wouven — 1 in 71.62 s (200-kg)
- Elisa Hessels — 2 in 49.37 s (180-kg)
- Jamie Lee Boudri — 2 in 53.58 s (180-kg)
- Rowena Wehnes — 1 in 16.02 s (180-kg)
- Linda Schenk — 5 in 66.11 s (160-kg)
- Christel Veenstra — 4 in 72.27 s (160-kg)
- Femkje Buijs — 2 in 30.33 s (160-kg)
- Chelsea Schweiger — 1 in 20.52 s (160-kg)
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Event 2: Bag Toss Medley
Precision Meets Power: The Bag Toss Medley
The subsequent event pushed the athletes into a different kind of challenge: The Bag Toss Medley. This event required not just strength, but precision. Athletes were tasked with hurling five sandbags, each progressively heavier than the last, over a bar set at a formidable height of 4 meters. The weights ranged from a starting 10 kilograms to a challenging 18 kilograms, all within a 60-second time frame.
Patricia Smit: Unstoppable Momentum
Continuing her winning streak, Patricia Smit stood unmatched. While her competitors grappled with the challenge, with no other participant completing four bags under the 40-second mark, Patricia demonstrated her prowess with a remarkable 26.06 seconds on the clock. Her lead was so commanding that she opted not to tackle the fifth bag.
Battle for the Runner-Up
The contest for second place was intense. Mayke Van Wouven and Kelly Franssen went head-to-head, but it was Mayke who clinched the second spot, outpacing Kelly by a mere eight seconds. This left Kelly Franssen once again in the third position, adding another bronze finish to her tally.
- Patricia Smit — 4 in 26.06 s
- Mayke Van Wouven — 4 in 40.71 s
- Kelly Franssen — 4 in 48.86 s
- Femke Huisman — 3 in 23.27 s
- Elisa Hessels — 3 in 25.05 s
- Jamie Lee Boudri — 3 in 26.8 s
- Rowena Wehnes — 3 in 59.95 s
- Femkje Buijs — 2 in 17.77 s
- Chelsea Schweiger — 1 in 5.68 s
- Christel Veenstra — 1 in 11.83 s
- Linda Schenk — 1 in 12.8 s
- Yvonne Allards — 1 in 15.74 s
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Event 3: Yoke Into Sandbag
Testing Endurance: The Yoke and Sandbag Carry
The intensity of the competition soared as athletes transitioned to the third challenge. Fresh from the exhaustive demands of the preceding events, they braced themselves for another feat of strength and stamina. This particular trial presented a dual task: carrying a 210-kilogram yoke for 15 meters and immediately after, a haul of an 80-kilogram sandbag over the same distance.
Elisa Hessels Breaks Through
The third event unveiled a new victor. Elisa Hessels emerged from the crowd, outpacing the other competitors and clinching the top spot. Remarkably, every contender succeeded in completing both tasks. However, it was Hessels who set the standard, blazing through the course in a mere 15.91 seconds.
Patricia Smith Maintains Form
The reigning champion, Patricia Smith, faced her first setback but managed to retain her formidable momentum. Though she relinquished the gold spot to Hessels in this round, Smith secured a commendable second place, clocking in at 17.04 seconds.
- Elisa Hessels — 2 in 15.91 s
- Patricia Smit — 2 in 17.04 s
- Mayke Van Wouven — 2 in 18.78 s
- Femke Huisman — 2 in 19.19 s
- Jamie Lee Boudri — 2 in 21.79 s
- Kelly Franssen — 2 in 22.09 s
- Christel Veenstra — 2 in 23.63 s
- Chelsea Schweiger — 2 in 27.47 s
- Linda Schenk — 2 in 30 s
- Yvonne Allards — 2 in 30.62 s
- Rowena Wehnes — 2 in 34.47 s
- Femkje Buijs — 2 in 35.57 s
Event 4: Farmer’s Walk
Pushed to the Brink: The Farmer’s Walk Challenge
The 2023 Netherlands Strongest Woman competition escalated in intensity as the fourth event beckoned. This trial was both simple in concept and extreme in execution. Athletes were armed with 60-kilogram Farmer’s Walk implements and had one mission: to bear them over the longest possible distance without letting them touch the ground. This meant that once an athlete dropped the implements, there was no picking them back up.
Christel Veenstra’s Surprising Dominance
In what can be described as a surprising turn of events, Christel Veenstra eclipsed expectations. Demonstrating both grit and stamina, Veenstra managed a staggering 93.9 meters with the weights in tow before they finally met the ground. This distance secured her the gold spot for this challenge.
Chelsea Schweiger’s Close Call
Hot on Veenstra’s heels was Chelsea Schweiger. In a fierce show of determination, Schweiger came agonizingly close to the top spot. Ultimately, she dropped her weights a mere two meters shy of Veenstra’s mark, firmly placing her in the event’s second position.
- Christel Veenstra — 93.9 m
- Chelsea Schweiger — 91.8 m
- Mayke Van Wouven — 82.2 m
- Elisa Hessels — 83.5 m
- Femke Huisman — 80.5 m
- Jamie Lee Boudri — 80 m
- Linda Schenk — 70.8 m
- Patricia Smit — 67.2 m
- Yvonne Allards — 66.1 m
- Kelly Franssen — 65.7 m
- Femkje Buijs — 60 m
- Rowena Wehnes — 59.8 m
Event 5: Overhead Ladder
A Test of Shoulder Strength
Following the model of the competition’s initial Deadlift Ladder challenge, the Overhead Ladder pushed competitors to exhibit their upper body strength. Here, the women were faced with a sequential overhead pressing challenge that began at 40 kilograms and culminated at a demanding 80 kilograms. If an athlete reached a point where they couldn’t advance to the next weight, their focus shifted to repping out the maximum number of lifts with their current weight. A notable twist? A single rep with a heavier weight would always outscore numerous reps with a lighter one.
Huisman Sets the Bar High
In a riveting display, several competitors made it to the final 80-kilogram weight, but it was Femke Huisman who dominated the pack. She astounded spectators by successfully locking out four reps at this peak weight, setting a benchmark that remained unmatched throughout the event.
A Nail-biting Battle for the Second Spot
As the competition intensified, a fierce contest for the runner-up position unfolded. Both Rowana Wehnes and Mayke Van Wouven managed to complete three reps with the daunting 80-kilogram weight. Their performances were so closely matched that mere seconds made all the difference. Rowana clinched the second spot by a narrow three-second margin, relegating Mayke to a commendable third place.
- Femke Huisman — 4 in 62.8 s (80-kg)
- Rowena Wehnes — 3 in 63.9 s (80-kg)
- Mayke Van Wouven — 3 in 67.14 s (80-kg)
- Patricia Smit — 3 in 74.85 s (80-kg)
- Kelly Franssen — 2 in 69.8 s (80-kg)
- Jamie Lee Boudri — 2 in 70.42 s (80-kg)
- Elisa Hessels — 2 in 64.02 s (70-kg)
- Femkje Buijs — 1 in 30.67 s (70-kg)
- Linda Schenk — 1 in 35.24 s (70-kg)
- Yvonne Allards — 4 in 64.3 s (60-kg)
- Christel Veenstra — 4 in 72.2 s (60-kg)
- Chelsea Schweiger — 3 in 61.61 s (60-kg)
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Event 6: Atlas Stones
The Grand Finale
The climax of the 2023 Netherlands Strongest Woman competition was embodied in the challenge of the Atlas Stones. This iconic event tasked competitors with loading a sequence of six progressively heavier stones, ranging from 50 kilograms to a massive 120 kilograms. The objective: load each stone onto a platform that stood at 1.2 meters, all within the tight constraint of 90 seconds.
Smit Holds Her Ground
As the tension heightened, all eyes were fixed on Patricia Smit, who entered this final round with a precarious one-point lead. The looming threat of being overtaken was palpable, making this event a make-or-break moment for her title aspirations. Rising to the occasion, Patricia delivered a masterclass, sealing her third event victory for the day. In an impressive display, she loaded all six stones in a mere 41.69 seconds.
Van Wouven’s Valiant Effort
Mayke Van Wouven, keen on clinching the title, entered the Atlas Stones with high hopes. A favorable outcome would mean potentially leapfrogging Patricia for the overall crown. Van Wouven gave a commendable performance, successfully loading all six stones in 52.75 seconds. However, despite her stellar effort, she had to settle for second place in both the event and the overall standings.
- Patricia Smit — 6 in 41.68 s
- Mayke Van Wouven — 6 in 52.75 s
- Kelly Franssen — 5 in 29.83 s
- Femke Huisman — 5 in 40.09 s
- Elisa Hessels — 5 in 54.08 s
- Jamie Lee Boudri — 4 in 28.65 s
- Rowena Wehnes — 4 in 30.74 s
- Christel Veenstra — 4 in 36.52 s
- Linda Schenk — 4 in 42.36 s
- Chelsea Schweiger — 4 in 45.58 s
- Femkje Buijs — 3 in 33.11 s
- Yvonne Allards — 3 in 81.02 s
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2023 U105KG Netherlands Strongest Man Event Recap
Event 1: Deadlift For Reps
Mirror Events with Different Weights
In a unique twist to the 2023 Netherlands strength competitions, both the Strongest Woman and the U105KG Strongest Man events shared identical challenges. The only distinguishing factor? The weight increments, tailored to the respective divisions.
Men’s Deadlift Challenge: A Heavier Endeavor
Kicking off the men’s division, participants had to contend with a series of deadlifts, starting at a hefty 200 kilograms and culminating in a colossal 280 kilograms.
Tom Van De Burg’s Deadlift Dominance
While the challenge was daunting, Tom Van De Burg showcased his immense strength and determination. He became one of the elite two athletes who managed to achieve five repetitions with the staggering 280-kilogram weight. But what set Van De Burg apart and cemented his first-place position was his blistering speed, completing the task in a time that none could rival.
- Tom Van De Burg — 5 in 65 s (280-kg)
- Yoell Blom — 5 in 74 s (280-kg)
- Ruben Van Kreij — 3 in 60 s (280-kg)
- John-Mark Bolwerk — 3 in 64 s (280-kg)
- Wim Van De Groep — 3 in 70 s (280-kg)
- Joey Henraath — 2 in 45 s (280-kg)
- Jeffrey Laterveer — 1 in 47 s (280-kg)
- Randy Doornekamp — 3 in 63 s (260-kg)
- Christian Van Elderen —2 in 70 s (260-kg)
- Toni Pieters — 2 in 75 s (260-kg)
- Alex Schiltmans — 1 in 36 s (260-kg)
- Kane Verberkt — 1 in 14 s (240-kg)
Event 2: Bag Toss Medley
Elevating the Weight Game
Transitioning to the Bag Toss Medley, the men’s division witnessed an elevation in the challenge. The starting weight was set at 18 kilograms, escalating with each toss, with the final, fifth bag weighing in at an impressive 26 kilograms.
Randy Doornekamp’s Swift Mastery
In what can only be described as a stellar performance, Randy Doornekamp dominated this event, effortlessly securing maximum points. He completed the task, tossing all five bags, in a swift time of just 17.62 seconds. This accomplishment was particularly noteworthy as the remainder of the competitors took over 20 seconds to achieve the same feat.
- Randy Doornekamp — 5 in 17.62 s
- Yoell Blom — 5 in 21.56 s
- Christian Van Elderen — 5 in 22.9 s
- Ruben Van Kreij — 5 in 25 s
- Joey Henraath — 5 in 30.07 s
- Wim Van De Groep — 5 in 46.97 s
- Jeffrey Laterveer — 4 in 14 s
- John-Mark Bolwerk — 4 in 22 s
- Toni Pieters — 4 in 42 s
- Tom Van De Burg — 3 in 38 s
- Kane Verberkt — 2 in 11 s
- Alex Schiltmans — 2 in 12 s
Event 3: Yoke Into Sandbag
The Yoke and Sandbag Challenge: Men’s Division
In the men’s segment of the 2023 U105KG Netherlands Strongest Man, the Yoke and Sandbag challenge presented a significant uptick in weight. The athletes braced themselves to handle a yoke weighing a staggering 340 kilograms. Once this was conquered, a sandbag, tipping the scales at 120 kilograms, awaited them. As with the women’s division, the distance to be covered remained consistent at 15 meters for each implement.
A Spectacular Tie: Henraath and Bolwerk’s Unison Finish
In a turn of events that was nothing short of remarkable, the third event witnessed an uncanny finish. Joey Henraath and Juhn-Mark Bolwerk, two fierce competitors, delivered identical performances. They managed to complete both the yoke and sandbag carry in a time so synchronized, it was indistinguishable to one-hundredth of a second. This extraordinary tie meant both men shared the pride of the top spot, along with the accompanying points.
- Joey Henraath — 19.97 s (Tied-First)
- John-Mark Bolwerk — 19.97 s (Tied-First)
- Wim Van De Groep — 21.78 s
- Jeffrey Laterveer — 22.94 s
- Yoell Blom — 23.63 s
- Christian Van Elderen — 24.15 s
- Ruben Van Kreij — 25.4 s
- Randy Doornekamp — 36.47 s
- Tom Van De Burg — 39.65 s
- Toni Pieters — 42.66 s
- Kane Verberkt — 48.01 s
- Alex Schiltmans — 50.69 s
Event 4: Farmer’s Walk
Farmer’s Walk Challenge: Maximum Distance
The Farmer’s Walk, a classic test of sheer strength and endurance, awaited the competitors in the 2023 U105KG Netherlands Strongest Man. Their task was to carry heavy implements, each weighing a formidable 110 kilograms, for maximum distance. This event was a testament to their ability to not only hoist the hefty weights but to sustain their grip and determination.
Wim Van De Groep’s Dominance
The fourth event of this intense competition unfolded as a clear showcase of dominance by Wim Van De Groep. He effortlessly surpassed his nearest rival by an impressive 4.3 meters. Furthermore, his performance left the remaining competitors trailing in his wake by an even more substantial margin. This commanding victory solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.
- Wim Van De Groep — 64.3 m
- Yoell Blom — 60 m
- Joey Henraath — 59.1 m
- Christian Van Elderen — 54.5 m
- Randy Doornekamp — 52.1 m
- John-Mark Bolwerk — 49.75 m
- Jeffrey Laterveer — 41.35 m
- Ruben Van Kreij — 40 m
- Kane Verberkt — 33 m
- Alex Schiltmans — 24.1 m
- Tom Van De Burg — 23.3 m
- Toni Pieters — 23.1 m
Event 5: Overhead Medley
Battle of Strength
In the dynamic arena of the 2023 U105KG Netherlands Strongest Man competition, the overhead press was a distinct challenge that would test the mettle and endurance of the participants. Beginning with an imposing weight of 80 kilograms, the challenge escalated in intensity, culminating with a staggering 120 kilograms weight. The rules were clear and unforgiving: a single rep with a heftier weight could topple multiple efforts with a lighter one.
Yoell Blom’s Narrow Victory
The overhead press event evolved into a nail-biting face-off, with Yoell Blom and Joey Henraath emerging as the primary contenders. Both powerhouses showcased immense strength, completing three reps each with the heaviest weight on offer. However, demonstrating swiftness in conjunction with power, Yoell Blom clinched the top spot, outpacing Henraath by a mere two seconds. This triumph was not only a testament to Blom’s strength but also his agility and strategic prowess.
- Yoell Blom — 3 in 58.27 s (120-kg)
- Joey Henraath — 3 in 60.62 s (120-kg)
- Randy Doornekamp —3 in 65.37 s (120-kg)
- Christian Van Elderen — 3 in 70.78 s (120-kg)
- Ruben Van Kreij — 3 in 73.37 s (120-kg)
- Jeffrey Laterveer — 2 in 60.18 s (120-kg)
- Toni Pieters — 2 in 65.75 s (120-kg)
- Wim Van De Groep — 1 in 39.83 s (120-kg)
- John-Mark Bolwerk — 1 in 35.11 s (110-kg)
- Tom Van De Burg — 1 in 39.61 s (110-kg)
- Alex Schiltmans — 1 in 47.26 s (110-kg)
- Kane Verberkt — 1 in 23.46 s (100-kg)
Event 6: Atlas Stones
The Ultimate Test
One of the most iconic and revered events in strength sports, the Atlas Stones, was the final hurdle in the 2023 U105KG Netherlands Strongest Man competition. With a starting weight of 130 kilograms and escalating to a formidable 180 kilograms, it was a task meant to push the athletes to their very limits. Notably, the platforms for the men’s division were slightly more accommodating, set at 1.15 meters, slightly lower than the women’s.
Yoell Blom’s Stone Mastery
The stone challenge was where Yoell Blom truly solidified his dominance. Exhibiting both technique and raw strength, Blom managed to load all six stones, a feat that no other competitor achieved that day. While others struggled, managing to load up to five stones or fewer, Blom stood unrivaled, marking a clear and decisive victory in this grueling event.
- Yoell Blom — 6 in 79.53 s
- Wim Van De Groep — 5 in 32.54 s
- Joey Henraath — 5 in 61.18 s
- Christian Van Elderen —5 in 88.28 s
- John-Mark Bolwerk — 4 in 32.52 s
- Ruben Van Kreij — 4 in 55.71 s
- Toni Pieters — 3 in 58.86 s
- Randy Doornekamp — 2 in 14.74 s
- Jeffrey Laterveer — 2 in 15.85 s
- Alex Schiltmans — 2 in 18.65 s
- Tom Van Der Burg — 2 in 23.65 s
- Kane Verberkt — 1 in 18.05 s
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A Tale of Two Championships: The 2023 Netherlands Strongest Events
The 2023 Netherlands Strongest Woman and U105KG Man competitions unfurled an electrifying display of strength, endurance, and pure willpower. Each championship, however, told its own captivating narrative.
Nail-biting Finale for the Women
The women’s division was undeniably the more nail-biting of the two. Every event, every lift, seemed to build the suspense, crescendoing to a final event that held the power to change the leaderboard. It was a competition in its purest sense, with contenders truly not knowing who would clinch the title until the very last moment. The air was thick with anticipation and every onlooker held their breath, waiting for the final results.
Blom’s Domination in the Men’s Division
In contrast, the U105KG Men’s category seemed almost like a showcase for Yoell Blom’s prowess. From the get-go, Blom’s performance echoed dominance, setting him apart from his competitors. Every event he participated in seemed to further cement his position at the top, showcasing not just his strength but also his exceptional technique and commitment. While competitions are typically uncertain till the end, Blom’s consistency painted a clearer picture early on, hinting at his eventual triumph.
In retrospect, while the women’s division kept everyone on the edge of their seats, the men’s division showcased the rise of a potential future legend in the sport. Both events, in their unique ways, enriched the tapestry of strength sports in the Netherlands for 2023.
Overview
In Earnewâld, the Netherlands, an exhilarating weekend of strength sports unfolded. On September 16th and 17th, the 2023 U105KG Netherlands Strongest Man and the 2023 Netherlands Strongest Woman (Open) competitions took place. While the challenges were identical in nature for both divisions, differing only in weight, the narratives diverged significantly.
Patricia Smit narrowly clinched the title in the women’s division after a suspense-filled competition that went down to the wire. On the other hand, Yoell Blom demonstrated sheer dominance in the U105KG Men’s division, hinting at his impending victory early in the competition.
This championship weekend not only showcased exceptional athletic prowess but also highlighted the strategic and mental aspects pivotal to such strength sports. The women’s division was characterized by unpredictability and intense competition, whereas the men’s division celebrated the rise of a dominant force in Yoell Blom.
Featured Image @yoellblom, @miss_silverback (Instagram)
