For La'auoleolaimalua Fereti Sao, strongman competition is more than a test of physical strength; it's a way of maintaining balance amid the demands of a full-time academic career.
Competing against two other athletes in the Open Men's division, Fereti emerged victorious, claiming the gold medal and the premier Open Men's title at the Pacific Strongest 2026 competition held at the Apia Waterfront.
The National University of Samoa lecturer also secured third place in the Max Axel Deadlift event, achieving the goal he had set for himself before stepping onto the competition floor.
"I came prepared just to hit my numbers in the deadlift," he said. "The event is called Max Axel Deadlift, and that's the challenging one because it's my weakest event. The strategy was just to hit the podium, which I achieved."
Despite the achievement, Fereti approached the competition with a simple mindset.
