Gallery: Estonians win Camp Bastion strongman competition (16 pictures)

Photo: Endel Apsalon

Members of Infantry Company Estcoy-15 emerged as winners of strongman competitions held in Camp Bastion, intending to donate the award-money to Estonian Society of Injured Warriors.

«Well, we went there to win, and now it’s done. Having entered the competition in high spirits, everybody put in 100 per cent and supported one another. The entire contingent came to cheer us on,» said the Estonians’ captain, Estcoy-15 assistant company commander Captain Argo Sibul.

The strongman competition consisted of six time-related events, plus the finals. Each team-member did one event. Estonians managed to win four events of the six, as well as to beat the competitors in combined finals between two best teams.

All in all, six teams participated, one composed of Estonians, the remaining five of Brits. The Estonian team competed under the name Estcoy and included Captain Argo Sibul, Junior Warrant Officers Hanori Perlov and Ruslan Pavlyuchok, and Sergeants Andrei Barinov, Robert Parker and Andres Oja.

«It’s a pity the US sent no teams. In their base, we have noted large numbers of really big men,» said Captain Sibul. «However, it’s one thing to lift weights in a gym – and another thing to dare come out and compete. Not everybody has the guts for that.»

For winning team, a $200 award was offered by the organisers – put together by entry fees. Estonians plant to give the money to Estonian Society of Injured Warriors. According to Captain Sibul, the men will now keep on training and at least one of them intends to take part in the Estonian strongman series, this summer.