That culture is how the industry retains existing audiences and attracts newcomers. Manning Jeffrey, general manager of the Adonis Athletics gym franchise in Sydney, said the local community would “roll out the red carpet for anyone willing to participate. “
Mason Dannatt, whose company, Australia’s Strongest, organizes vigorous competitions in Australia, has described tournaments as comfortable work.
“They are fun competitions,” he said. “There are people holding a beer, great to see, no one takes themselves too seriously. All of that makes for a truly inclusive community. “
Anecdotally, the sport seems to be growing in Australia. In 2022, Mr. Dannatt’s company runs 22 strong competitions; in 2023, it will run 24 races, including a new series of competitions for middleweight, male and female middleweight athletes, and athletes of all abilities. He’s also signed an agreement with streaming company Kayo Sports, where subscribers can watch the 2022 Australia’s Strongest Man and Woman competitions.
Ms. Smith said that “a recent beginner contest had 40 competitors; great for our sport. “She’s going to Florida with 13 other Australian competitors, up from the 11 who went in 2019.
Mr Jeffrey, who has franchised gyms in the Sydney suburbs of Paddington, Castle Hill and Campbelltown, is trying to attract more people. Mr. Dannatt said that recent popularity contests are attracting more sponsors and sponsors, but more can still be done. He’s currently busy hosting Australia’s Strongest International competition, which takes place in January in Castlemaine, Victoria.
For Ms Smith, the tight schedule means she won’t be able to rest for a while. Before those competitions, however, there was a part of her normal life that she had to participate in.
