Deadlift stars going head-to-head

National champions and world title challengers are among the top entries for Redcliffe’s Biggest Deadlift next month.

The event - on Saturday July 5, from 4pm - is expected to attract hundreds of spectators to Storiesstrong, in Storie St, Clontarf. Entry is free.

Many will be following Tommy-Lee McGrath, an Australian Power Lifting (APL) champion who has a personal best deadlift of 350kgs.

Also chasing the $3500 prize pool will be Rachel Elms, with a pb of 205kgs and back from the recent International Power Lifting World Championships in Norway.

Lee Musgrave, the APL squat and deadlift record holder, has a best of 200kgs and is in the Redcliffe tournament, which will also be livestreamed on YouTube.

He will be joined by Junior APL deadlift record holder Nino Laciste, who has a pb of 307.5kg and Anna Castles, whose best is currently 205kg.

“Last year we had an attempt at the biggest deadlift on Australian Soil, which was unfortunately missed,” Storiesstrong Director Alex Damcevski said.

“This year, we are looking to bring the competition in terms of head to heads - with lots of callouts between lifters already happening - which will cause hype and tension before lifts!”

Alex said the level of competition “can see anywhere from national record holders all the way to first timers on the platform”.

Organisers are hoping to top last year’s entry of 43 lifters for the three flights – starting with lighter deadlifts and heavier deadlifts around 6pm.

The categories for the prizes this year are:

Biggest Weight Lifter (male and female) - regardless of bodyweight whoever lifts most, wins.

Biggest Dots - (male and female) – using power-to-weight formula.

Biggest Grind - best lift that 'takes time to get to lockout' and puts on a show for the crowd!

Storiestrong started “in a little shed across the road”, but last year expanded at 22A Storie St to provide powerlifting/strength, as well as body building.