strongwoman

A strongwoman is an athlete who competes in strength sports designed for female competitors. The term also describes women who perform feats of strength in demonstrations or competitions, such as lifting heavy objects, pulling vehicles, and carrying loads.

The modern strongwoman tradition grew alongside men’s strongman in the late 20th century, with formal women’s events expanding through the 1990s and 2000s. International and national circuits emerged, aided by media coverage and organized sanctioning bodies, to establish standard events and rules.

Competitions and events for strongwomen typically include the log press, deadlift, yoke carry, atlas stones, tire flip, keg toss, farmers walk, and loading medley. Scoring combines time, repetitions, and the amount lifted, with many events designed to test full-body strength, conditioning, and technique with implements of varying shapes and weights.

Training and preparation for strongwoman emphasize maximal strength development, upper- and lower-body strength, event-specific technique, and conditioning. Athletes often blend powerlifting-style programs with training for odd objects, carries, and loads, while prioritizing recovery, nutrition, and injury prevention.

Notable figures and records in the sport include Becca Swanson, who is frequently cited for exceptional strength and pioneering impact in women’s strength sports. Across federations, competitors set national and international records in various events, reflecting the sport’s diversity and ongoing evolution.