FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
Particles of chalk rise into the air, joining the echoing smacks of tractor tires and metal beams hitting the ground. The clanging of rubber and metal overpowers every noise, including the rock music blasting from speakers scattered throughout the gym where Strongman, CrossFit and powerlifter hopefuls practice their techniques.
In a back corner working alone, a two-time national strongman competition winner, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Stephanie Smith, takes a breath as she searches for the composure to squat down and flip a 300 lb. tire.
Smith, who is a U.S. Army Aviation Center of intelligence senior small group leader, started competing in the competitions involving anything from lifting logs to carrying 200 lb. stones after returning from a deployment at the end of 2013.
“I love the feeling I get from it,” said Smith. “When you do a competition, you’re never doing the same events. It all just depends on the gym and what materials they have available.”
Lured by the spontaneity of the five-event competition, Smith practiced more and more and eventually qualified for a national-level event.
“I went to nationals back in June and I won my weight class,” explained Smith. “I’ve only been doing this for two years and I’m competing against people who have been doing this for years and years.”
For Stella Krupinski, Brute Strength Gym manager, Smith’s dedication is proven not only by the medals around her neck, but by the hours she puts into her training.
“You can be great and really talented but you have to want to take it to the next level and I don’t see that in a lot of people, but I see that in her [Strongman] career,” Krupinski said. “It’s just a part of her make up that she will excel in whatever she chooses to do because she won’t settle for less.”
While new to the sport’s challenges, as a 13-year-Soldier, Smith has faced situations and gained training that she credits to building the mental fortitude and resilience needed to shut out negative thoughts brought on by pre-competition jitters.
“The Army trains me to have that mental toughness and fortitude to not let my feelings and emotions get the best of me, but it was still terrifying,” said Smith. “I drove eight hours by myself to this huge competition with hundreds of people who have more experience than me. It was tough, but I was able to zone in and complete a lift that I had never been able to accomplish until that day.”
With the win at nationals, Smith qualified to compete in a world’s level event which is being held in Kentucky this October.
“Making it to the Arnold [Arnold Schwarzenegger Strongman Competition], was the only thing I focused on,” said Smith. “This last year I went to nationals for United States Strongman, and if you make it to worlds and win, you get a pro card.”
The chance to win a world’s competition and pro card, which distinguishes competitors as winners of national or qualifying events, keeps Smith focused at pushing forward, but it’s the love for the sport that’s keeping her invested.
“This gives me a sense that I’m doing something for myself outside of the Army,” said Smith. “It gives me a hobby and a goal to work towards. It’s satisfying to set a goal for the future and obtain that goal.”