Moldova crowns Sergiu Coada national strongman champion in Chisinau
Sergiu Coada won the title of Moldova's Strongest Man on Saturday, outperforming nine other professional athletes in extreme strength challenges held in the capital's Rose Valley park.
Grueling trials of raw power
The national competition brought together 21 participants across two divisions—10 professional competitors and 11 amateurs—competing in five demanding tests of endurance and physical power, public broadcaster Moldova 1 reported. In one timed event, professionals hoisted weights of 150, 170, and 190 kilograms up a flight of stairs in a rapid race against the clock.
Pulling 3.2 tonnes of steel and crew
The centerpiece challenge required competitors to pull a vehicle carrying all 11 amateur contenders seated in its trailer, creating a combined mass of 3.2 metric tons. Lead event organizer and active competitor Iulian Prijelevschi finished in second place, while Adrian Bors took third place on the podium.
Discipline and camaraderie
“Hard work and discipline are paramount; an athlete must never surrender,” said Prijelevschi, who launched the inaugural contest in 2023 and expanded it this year with an international edition. “Participation continues to grow steadily.”
“It requires thorough preparation and a strict regimen—we work relentlessly and follow demanding rules,” third-place finisher Adrian Bors said, describing the sport's substantial physical risks. “You cannot accomplish this in a single day; it takes years of training.”
“I faced top-tier rivals, and it was a great honor to compete in the national championship,” professional participant Razvan Nicolae said.
Fellow athlete Cristian Busuioc praised the supportive spirit among participants. “The atmosphere here is extraordinary,” Busuioc said. “We are rivals on the field, but friends in daily life, and this close-knit family keeps me deeply motivated.”
Translation by Iurie Tataru
