Kalem Nygren of the K’òmoks First Nation wins B.C. Strongman Championships, earning a spot at nationals and the Arnold Sports Festival.
A Champion Crowned
Kalem Nygren of the K’òmoks First Nation has claimed the title of B.C.’s strongest man after finishing first overall in the Heavyweight division at the Provincial Strongman Championships. The competition was held on August 30 in Williams Lake.
The Tests of Strength
Athletes faced five gruelling events designed to push physical limits. Nygren excelled in the overhead medley, frame carry, deadlift ladder, yoke walk, and sandbag lifts. His standout performance came in the yoke and sandbag carry, where he placed first with a time of 27.6 seconds. Across all events, Nygren scored 34 out of a possible 40 points — the highest in his weight class.
Where the Journey Leads
With his victory, Nygren has qualified for two major competitions: the Canadian Amateur Strongman Championships in Calgary this October and the prestigious Strongman Pro/Am at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, next March. Both events will test him against elite national and international talent.
Why This Win Matters
For Nygren, the achievement is more than a personal milestone. Representing the K’òmoks First Nation and Vancouver Island, his success shines a spotlight on Indigenous athletes excelling in strength sports. His win also highlights the growing strongman community across B.C., where grassroots gyms continue to produce top-tier competitors.
Training Behind the Triumph
Nygren trains at Hayes’ Garage Gym alongside some of the province’s top strongmen, as well as at Fitness Excellence. The combination of high-level mentorship and intense local preparation has helped him refine the skills needed to compete at the national and international levels.
What Comes Next
As Nygren shifts focus to the Canadian championships, he aims to build on his recent success and prove himself against the country’s best. The path then leads to Columbus, where he will face seasoned professionals on one of the sport’s biggest stages. For now, he carries the proud distinction of being B.C.’s strongest man.
This article is original and written specifically for Surreyspeak.com
