Kahnawake’s strongest come out to compete

On August 23 and 24, Kahnawake was alive with energy, grit, and community spirit as it hosted the second annual Strong Women and Men Competition, a showcase of physical strength and emotional resilience, that also focused on mental wellness advocacy. While the men took to the field on Friday, August 23, it was the women’s turn on Saturday the 24, marking the first year that women were formally included in the competition. Despite some rain during the women’s events, spirits remained high, and both days were filled with powerful moments that left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance.

At the heart of the competition was the organizers Kahnawake Shakotiia’takehnhas Community Services (KSCS). J.D. Saylor was one of the instructors and a participant in the event. Saylor, trainer at Strong Human Fitness, specializes in strongman and strongwoman-style training and worked closely with local organizations to bring the event to life.

“Last year, it started out as a men’s mental health initiative,” Saylor explained. “They were trying to find ways to reach men outside the typical talking circles. They figured a strength-based competition would be a great way to get them involved and it worked.”

This year’s expansion to include women brought even more attention and community support. According to Saylor, the turnout of both competitors and spectators increased significantly from the first edition.

“There was this incredible feeling of unity,” he said. “Every athlete was cheering for every other athlete. The spectators were behind everyone. It was empowering, people could feel it.”

The event featured five gruelling events for both men and women, with adjusted weights to suit each division: a max deadlift, a yoke carry and frame carry medley, a sandbag carry for max distance, a log lift, and a final medley that included tire flips, sandbag lifts, and a sled pull.

Among the standout performances, Saylor highlighted Kobe McComber in the men’s open category, who carried a 150-pound sandbag for an astonishing 120 meters, nearly double the next best distance.

On the women’s side, several athletes stepped up in a big way, including Téa Stalk, who joined last-minute after originally planning to only volunteer.

“I was a little discouraged at first due to some old injuries,” Stalk said. “But when I got there on Saturday and saw the events and how supportive everyone was, I knew I had to do it.”

Stalk’s performance earned her second place overall in the women’s division, and she described the experience as “humbling” and “inspiring.”

“It reminded me how strong I really am. And the final medley it started raining, and it felt like a movie scene. We were soaked, flipping tires, pushing through. It felt powerful, like we were unstoppable.”

For Jadie Diabo, a CrossFit enthusiast who only began training in late 2024, the competition was a personal milestone on her healing journey.

“I started CrossFit as a way to work through some personal things,” said Diabo. “This competition pushed me way out of my comfort zone, but I told myself I wouldn’t give up.”

Diabo beamed while recalling her personal best in the deadlift and the emotional lift of hearing the crowd chant her name. “That encouragement kept me going. I didn’t think I could do it, but I did.”

Saylor himself also participated in the men’s division this year, dedicating his performance to his late brother, whose passing was part of his own journey with grief and mental health.

“I never planned to compete, but this year I felt like I had to,” he shared. “This event was something I loved, and I needed to do it for myself and for him.”

Despite a rainy afternoon on Saturday, the community stood firm, with organizers moving events under tents when needed and forging ahead when the rain returned.

“It was raining on everyone,” Stalk said. “So, we just kept going. Nobody let it stop them.”

This year’s competition also saw an increase in participation across all age categories, with youth, open, and master’s divisions representing another clear sign of the event’s growing momentum.

Looking ahead, Saylor hopes to see even more growth and participation next year.

“We want it to be an annual event. It’s about strength, yes, but it’s really about community and showing people what they’re capable of physically and mentally.”

As the final weights dropped and the crowd dispersed, one thing was clear: the Strong Women and Men Competition has become more than just a showcase of strength; it’s become a symbol of unity, resilience, and support in Kahnawake.

And for many, it’s already marked on the calendar for next year.

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