U.S. Marine wins strongman competition

Photo By Sgt. Luke Hoogendam | U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Gordon Adams showcases his championship belt at Naval Station Sigonella, Italy, Nov. 18, 2016. Lance Cpl. Adams recently won a strongman competition while deployed with the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa in Oct. He competed in the men’s open weight division for 205 pounds and up, against 10 other military members from all branches of service stationed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa Command support operations, contingencies and security cooperation in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Hoogendam)  

NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, ITALY

10.22.2016

Story by 1st Lt. Aleksandra Sawyer 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

NAVAL AIR STATION, SIGONELLA (OCT. 22, 2016) Lance Cpl. Gordon Adams recently won a strongman competition while deployed with the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Africa. He competed in the men’s open weight division for 205 pounds and up, against 10 other military members from all branches of service stationed at NAS Sigonella.
The competition consisted of two phases. In the first session, the athletes were evaluated during six events. The top four in each division moved onto the second competition. The events included a vehicle pull, a 175-pound log press, a 190-pound farmer’s carry, an Atlas stone carry through an obstacle course, a timed tire flip, and a rope pull.
Adams remarked that given the chance, he would certainly compete again, “there is so much intensity at the competitions, with everyone showing all the hard work they’ve put in. Competitions like these give me something extra to work toward and completing the events brings a tremendous feeling of accomplishment.”
Adam’s accomplishment is certainly impressive. However, his dedication isn’t all that surprising considering all he went through to earn his eagle, globe and anchor in the first place.
In 2012, three years before enlisting, Adams weighed 380 pounds.
For years he knew he was at an unhealthy weight but it wasn’t until a friend encouraged him to step on a scale that he realized how much he had neglected his body.
When he saw how much he actually weighed, Adams realized he wanted more out of life. He spent the next summer making simple life changes to shed the pounds.
“As the summer came to an end I was sitting right around 300 pounds or so, and I had realized my love of working out and how I felt after a hard day in the gym or a long day on the bike,” said Adams.
By the time Adams dropped down to 260 pounds a friend inspired him to join the Marine Corps. He continued to lose weight and made it down to 190 pounds by the end of boot camp.
Since losing the extra pounds, Adams has maintained his health through a vigorous workout routine and a healthy diet.
“I will continue to always make myself better and continue to keep myself in top physical shape. I’m in a good position to continue my fitness goals and serve my country,” said Adams.

• Date Taken: 10.22.2016
• Date Posted: 11.28.2016 10:15
• Story ID: 215833
• Location: NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, IT
• Hometown: NEWARK, DE, US