A Geelong paramedic will travel to the US next week to battle for the title of World’s Strongest Woman.
Norlane’s Katie Blunden, in her second year as an Ambulance Victoria paramedic, will compete in the open women’s division at the Official Strongman Games in Madison, Wisconsin, which runs from December 5 to 8.
Blunden’s took second place in the 2024 Australia’s Strongest Woman nationals, was Victoria’s strongest woman in 2023 and holds the world record for axle clean and press (132.8 kg).
Blunden, who took up lifting in 2018, said she began competing in strongman after watching a friend compete at a local competition.
“Strongman is a sport where you lift different heavy objects either for a maximum weight, maximum reps or to carry for a maximum distance or time,” she said.
“Each competition will have different events and involve different implements to lift, so it’s always changing and no two competitions are the same.
“I’ve been able to do some pretty cool things in strongman; I’ve pulled trucks, flipped a car, pressed more than 140 kilograms over my head and carried more than 300 kilograms on my back.”
Katie said the sport helped her develop drive and dedication, which was important in her career as a paramedic.
“I was inspired for this career after needing an ambulance myself when I was 14 and broke my ankle,” she said.
“I enjoy helping people and love learning about medicine so it’s a great combination.
“I also enjoy working a job where no two days are the same and you’re always learning something new.”
