Ștefan Tonu wins Gladiator Challenge in Moldova
The "Gladiator Challenge" concluded with a thrilling finale. Ștefan Tonu, an employee of the National Anticorruption Center, emerged as the strongest man in the Republic of Moldova.
Tonu triumphed in the second edition of this gruelling endurance competition, held over two days at Chișinău Arena. The event brought together 100 of the nation's most powerful athletes.
In the final round, Tonu faced Sergiu Cuțelaba, brother of renowned mixed martial arts fighter Ion Cuțelaba. The two finalists competed in a series of demanding challenges, including throwing sandbags over obstacles, pushing massive 140-kilogram tires, lifting heavy weights, and ultimately, ascending a tall platform called "Olympus." Tonu claimed victory and the 100,000 lei prize.
"My emotions are overwhelming," stated Tonu. "I dedicated myself to achieving this result, and I proved my capabilities. With this prize money, I plan to assist several families in need as winter approaches, making their lives a little easier."
Sergiu Cuțelaba expressed satisfaction with his performance, saying, "I'm very happy with my result. I came incredibly close to being crowned the strongest man in the country. The Cuțelaba family remains strong and determined."
Nicoleta Bodrug also achieved a top-6 finish, demonstrating impressive strength and a fierce competitive spirit. "It was certainly challenging," she acknowledged, "but the advice from fellow competitors proved invaluable."
Organiser Dragoș Musteață explained the demanding nature of the competition: "We aimed to create significant challenges for the athletes to ensure that only the strongest contenders reached the final. The event proved even more demanding than we anticipated, highlighting the immense effort required to organise Gladiator Challenge."
Maria Lungu, a competitor on the television show Survivor România, served as one of the event's co-presenters.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
