Buckie strongwoman Steffie lifts Scotland’s Strongest Woman title in inspirational rise to glory
A Moray athlete has achieved her sporting dream of being crowned Scotland’s Strongest Woman.
Steffie Murray, from Buckie, has spent the last few years making an ever-increasing impact on the national strongwoman competitive scene.
The WHEA (World Heavy Events Association) Scotland’s Strongest Woman championships at the Unit Strength and Conditioning gym in Cumnock on February 15 saw her achieve her long-held ambition of claiming the ultimate title north of the border.
It marks the pinnacle to date of a long road that has seen Steffie beat the bullies who, at school, affected her so badly she dropped out of sport. In later life she had further hurdles to overcome when she was diagnosed with clinical depression in her twenties.
Going into Scotland’s Strongest Woman, Steffie also had another unexpected challenge to cope with.
She said: “To be crowned Scotland’s Strongest Woman means everything to me.
“In the sport it means you are recognised as the best, the strongest and you have earned the right to be called Scotland’s Strongest Woman.
“I went into the competition not 100 per cent as I just had norovirus, which was the worst timing so I didn’t feel at my strongest on the day.
“This title holds great meaning for me because I wasn’t always the strong woman. Once I was the shy and skinny girl in school who was bullied out of participating in sport and who wouldn’t dream of stepping onto the competition floor. I have been through some very dark times in my life where I couldn’t see any meaning in me living.
“I believe those battles fortified my resolve to become better.”
She went on to pay tribute to the support she has received from the local community.
Steffie continued: “I am overwhelmed with the support and love from the community of Buckie.
“On a more personal note, by winning the title it means I have kept a promise to a dear friend who sadly passed away from cancer three years ago. I swore to her that one day I would become Scotland’s Strongest Woman and I am overwhelmed with joy that I fulfilled that promise to my friend.
“Now I hold the title I do not take that lightly! I understand the position and what influence I may have on the younger generation especially female athletes. Whatever it is you want to achieve in life, go out and get it!”
The triumph marks the culmination of a six-year battle for the top. There were early signs of her talent when, in 2019, she entered her first strongwoman contest - Highlands Strongest Woman - finishing in a highly creditable second place.
“Since that day I’ve been striving to reach the mountain top To finally hold the trophy in my hands was a fantastic feeling!
“All the hard work training and the countless hours dedicated to achieving my goal were worth it. Nothing beats this feeling!”
Subsequent years have seen her edge ever closer to her dream, with each unsuccessful attempt simply serving as a spur to try and train harder and “adding to the fire burning within me”.
Tasting victory meant that Steffie had to go toe to toe with the best the country has to offer over a total of six gruelling events that pushed the competitors to the limits of their physical and mental endurance,.
Kicking off her challenge was the 219kg max axle deadlift, followed by the overhead medley involving lifting a 75kg barbell, a 40kg monster dumbbell on each shoulder and an 80kg axle barbell. Axle squats while lifting 140kg was next, with Steffie scoring nine reps in 60 seconds.
Into the second half of the programme, Steffie faced the 22kg bag throw, achieving the not inconsiderable distance of 15m.
The socket-popping farmer’s walks challenge challenges contestants to walk as far as they can in 45 seconds while carrying 85kg weights in each hand, which they are not allowed to drop.
Completing the competition was the max atlas stone lift, with Steffie achieving 120kg.
Training for the event saw her working for two to three hours a day, four days a week building overall strength and endurance. She also trains for strongwoman events once per week and on rest days she goes out walking or cycling to keep her lungs and heart healthy.
With the Scottish title safely back in Buckie, Steffie is eyeing glory at Britain’s Strongest Women in July.
She added: “I know I have what it takes to be the best.
“It is only a matter of time and I am a patient woman! Building strength is a long game, and it has taken me years to be able to perform at the level I do. I started at lifting 3kg dumbbells in the gym and now I can press 100kg over my head and deadlift over 210kg.
“I am ready for the fight and over the next four months my sights are set on becoming Britain’s Strongest Woman on July 6. I want that to be the next title I bring home to Buckie.”
Steffie is entirely self-funding in what is a very expensive sport to pursue. Her triumph in Scotland’s Strongest Woman means she now qualifies to compete on the international stage, which further adds to the already significant costs incurred. Her ultimate dream, she said, to be crowned the World’s Strongest Woman.
Buckie’s inspirational champion would love to hear from potential sponsors, either businesses or individuals, who could help out with expenses such as investing in specialised gym equipment, traveling to contests, entry fees, accommodation and any treatment needed to keep her body in tip top shape
Anyone interested can get in touch with her by emailing steffie.murray88@gmail.com