StrongFirst Certified Master Instructor
Strong Stories from the TSC Spring 2022
The May 2022 Tactical Strength Challenge is complete!
Congratulations and thank you to all who participated, set personal records, and hosted the TSC this spring. The TSC, held twice a year in May and October, consists of three events: the deadlift, the pullup, and the 5-min kettlebell snatch test. Since we’ve been calling the May TSC the Community Edition, we want to highlight in this report some of the unique accomplishments of our participants rather than focusing only on the high scores from the leaderboard.
The TSC is a stage for all ages. There were two competitors under the age of 18 as well as two over the age of 70. And within this wide range of athletes, we found a few strong stories we’d like to share.
Our first story is about Ludovic Bellamy of France. At age 17, he was on the path to becoming a professional soccer player. He was invited to enter the Olympique de Marseille, a well-known international French soccer club, when he was injured in a car accident. Not only did the accident leave him in a coma for months, but doctors were forced to amputate one of his legs. It was a devastating accident, but, as strong people do, Ludovic continued to challenge himself over many years of recovery. After following StrongFirst principles for just six months, he was able to deadlift 90kg at the TSC. He has now set a goal to deadlift 100kg at October’s event, and we cannot wait to see him achieve it!
Nine months ago Matt Verhelle had never swung a kettlebell. Since then he has lost 100lbs by following StrongFirst programs. At the TSC, Matt achieved personal bests in all three events including pullups, a movement he hasn’t been able to do since his army days 20 years ago. Immediately after the TSC concluded, Matt also led a veteran’s motorcycle charity ride where he raised $3,000 for the Warriors of 45 North.
Ann Nordstrom, who competed in the Master’s Division (50+), also set personal bests in all three events. Ann decided to participate in the TSC after passing the SFG Level I this past December. While many women her age consider retiring to the couch, we applaud Ann for choosing to be a student of strength.
The final participant that we’d like to recognize is Ron Hylton. Ron tore his triceps nine months ago. Once again, as strong people do, Ron stayed faithful to his rehabilitation program and began strength training as soon as he was able. Following StrongFirst programming, he was able to rebuild in time to pull a personal best in the deadlift at the TSC. Ron’s next goal is to train for the SFG Level I later this year.
Before we go, we’d like to recognize the locations around the world who brought their communities together and hosted the largest TSC events.
- Higher Performance SG of Singapore had the largest group with 22 individuals participating.
- Hardstyle Strength of Portland, Oregon was a close second with 21 participants.
- Access Health & Fitness of Dublin, Ireland rounded out our the top three gyms with 19 participants.
- Some honorable mentions with over ten participants include Brick House Strength & Conditioning, Concept Force, CrossRage, Envolve-Gym, ESVL Muscu Gym, Gorilla Den, Kettlebility, Sharkgym, TNT Performance, and Unique Results.
Once again, thank you to all participants, hosts, judges, and TSC supporters. We look forward to seeing you and many more in the Competition Edition of the TSC this October. As you follow your training plans from now until then, remember that strength has a greater purpose.