2024 Strongest Man in the Netherlands: Kevin Hazeleger's Triumph

The 2024 Strongest Man in the Netherlands (Sterkste Man van Nederland) competition, held on July 7th in Deventer, witnessed a remarkable showdown among the country's top twelve strongmen. Kevin Hazeleger emerged victorious, ending Kelvin de Ruiter's four-year dominance with an outstanding performance across six grueling events.

Event Highlights and Detailed Results​

Truck Pull: Power on Display​

The competition kicked off with the Truck Pull, where athletes were tasked with moving a 16,000-kg vehicle over a 25-meter distance within 60 seconds. Kelvin de Ruiter set the pace with an impressive time of 23.98 seconds, but Kevin Hazeleger stayed close behind, completing the pull in 25.31 seconds.

• Kelvin de Ruiter: 23.98s
• Kevin Hazeleger: 25.31s
• Max Gelder: 25.87s
• Sander van Zutphen: 26.77s

Log Press: A Test of Strength​

In the Log Press event, athletes had three attempts to lift their maximum weight. Angelo van der Pas led with a lift of 175 kg, but Kevin Hazeleger gained an edge over Kelvin de Ruiter by successfully lifting 170 kg, ten kilograms more than Kelvin's best attempt.

• Angelo van der Pas: 175 kg
• Kevin Hazeleger: 170 kg
• Kelvin de Ruiter: 160 kg

Carry & Sled Drag Medley: Speed and Endurance​

The medley event combined carrying and sled dragging, pushing the athletes' endurance. Kevin Hazeleger secured his first event victory with a time of 39.34 seconds, narrowly beating Kelvin de Ruiter.

• Kevin Hazeleger: 39.34s
• Kelvin de Ruiter: 40.9s
• Martijn de Weerd: 44.04s

Husafell Carry: Ultimate Challenge​

The fourth event featured the Husafell Carry, a true test of grit as competitors carried a 180-kg stone for the longest distance. Kevin Hazeleger excelled again, covering 47.2 meters and surpassing Kelvin de Ruiter's 45.43 meters.

• Kevin Hazeleger: 47.2m
• Kelvin de Ruiter: 45.43m
• Max Gelder: 43.65m

Car Deadlift: Show of Strength​

In the Car Deadlift for reps, athletes lifted a 330-kg car as many times as possible. Kevin Hazeleger and Kelvin de Ruiter tied with five repetitions each, showcasing their immense strength.

• Kevin Hazeleger: 5 reps
• Kelvin de Ruiter: 5 reps
• Ruben van Kreij: 4 reps

Atlas Stones: The Final Showdown​

The competition concluded with the Atlas Stones, where athletes loaded five stones ranging from 120-kg to 200-kg. Kevin Hazeleger clinched his fourth event win by lifting four stones in 25.65 seconds, securing his overall victory.

• Kevin Hazeleger: 4 stones in 25.65s
• Max Gelder: 4 stones in 32.46s
• Quincy Abbink: 4 stones in 34.27s

Comprehensive Results​

Kevin Hazeleger’s consistent top performances led him to a total of 69.5 points, ahead of Kelvin de Ruiter's 64.5 points.

1. Kevin Hazeleger: 69.5 points
2. Kelvin de Ruiter: 64.5 points
3. Max Gelder: 50 points
4. Quincy Abbink: 46.5 points
5. Sander van Zutphen: 43 points

Kevin Hazeleger: The New Champion​

Kevin Hazeleger's victory at the 2024 Strongest Man in the Netherlands is a testament to his dedication and strength. Competing at a high level for just three years, Hazeleger has rapidly ascended the ranks, marking his first national title after four appearances. His journey continues to inspire aspiring strongmen and fans of strength sports alike.

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