Egyptian powerlifter Fatma Elgazzar demonstrates physical and mental prowess in the World Strongman Championship at the Emirates Sports Hotel in Dubai this week.
Heavyweight athletes from around the world gathered in Dubai to demonstrate their superpower, pushing the limits of human potential.
Commenting on her performance preparation for the event, Elgazzar says that she trained intensively for the competition and is fasting during Ramadan.
“Adjustment during the training was actually hard during the first week as I had to move my practice from morning to evening. But after I established a routine, my body adjusted and I felt even stronger than before. Fasting also helped me get that mental focus,” says Elgazzar.
Her daily diet consists of oats with banana yoghurt, brown rice, fish, chicken, eggs and vegetable. She also ensures she’s well hydrated and takes enough rest.
Akin to the Men’s Division, the Female Division also has three stages of competition; the under-75kg category in the first stage was a 60kg Log lift (3 repetitions), followed by 130kg Axel deadlift (3 reps), 35kg Dumbbell lift (3 reps single hand, straight body) and 70kg Stone over 110cm bar (3 reps). There is a two-minute time constraint to complete Stage One.
Stage two is an 80kg Sandbag carry for 15 metres followed by a 15-metre 200kg Yoke race and 150kg Farmer’s walk for another 15 metres. Everything must be done in one minute. Elgazzar finished Stage two in forty seconds.
Stage three competitors must row for a distance of 500 metres on a rowing machine.
For Elgazzar, competing in the World Strongman Championship is all about constancy.
“Real power comes from consistency. It’s not just about strength but mental focus as well,” says Elgazzar.
She also attributes her success to her team and enjoys the camaraderie among athletes who do boot-camp fitness, hard-core workouts and strength competitions.
A certified powerlifting trainer and fitness coach in Egypt, Elgazzar says she she hopes to inspire others with her faith as well as encourage more women to take up powerlifting as a sport.
“When I started in this sport, my parents did not agree with me at first but I showed them my determination and I started winning so I got all the love and support from my family,” says Elgazzar.
