A seven-member Samoan strongman team competed at Victoria’s Strongest Man and Woman over the weekend at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, securing four medals — one gold, one silver and two bronze.
The competition was held over two days, 26 and 27 September, at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and brought together a strong field of athletes from Australia and New Zealand, including competitors who compete professionally.
Representing Samoa were Evangeline Taylor-Pati, Chenaniah Uele Hurrell, Nuualofa Mauiliu, Ryan Walker, Anton Tofa, Laauoleolaimalua Sao and Darius Tofa.
The team travelled to Melbourne on Wednesday, 21 September 2026, with the competition providing an important opportunity for the Samoan athletes to measure themselves against a higher level of international competition following Pacific Strongest 2026, held in Samoa in June 2026.
A standout performance came from Evangeline Taylor-Pati, who won the Open Women’s division to claim the title of Victoria’s Strongest Open Woman 2026.
Evangeline competed alongside fellow Samoan athletes Chenaniah Uele Hurrell and Nuualofa Mauiliu in a highly competitive women’s field, which included Australian athletes with significant experience, including two competitors who compete at professional level in the Official Strongman Games.
Evangeline expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete, crediting her success and determination to her faith and the strength God had given her.
“I’m thankful to God for giving me the strength to compete and perform at my best. It was a privilege to compete alongside such talented athletes, and I’m honoured and grateful for the opportunity to be here representing Samoa.”
Chenaniah added to Samoa’s success with a third-place podium finish, while Nuualofa placed fifth in the event.
Samoa also recorded strong results across the men’s categories.
Strongman Samoa coach Ryan Walker secured a third-place finish in the Under 105kg division, while Anton Tofa placed fourth in the Under 120kg division.
In the highly competitive Open Men’s division, Laauoleolaimalua Sao delivered one of Samoa’s strongest performances of the competition, finishing runner-up and missing first place by just 0.5 points.
He finished behind former New Zealand’s Strongest Man, Stanley Cocker, after a closely contested battle against a strong line-up of Australian and New Zealand athletes.
Darius Tofa also competed in the Open Men’s division, placing sixth overall.
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