MEET THE PRO

Leigh Holland-Keen

About me

I started training at the end of 2009 and had my first competition at the start of 2010. I followed in my mum's footsteps - she was one of the very first Strongwoman athletes to compete in Australia she was also a promoter and strong advocate and fought hard for women to take part in the sport.

NSW State qualifier

2023

Strongman

-

1st place

Her Roar

2022

Brisbane

-

2nd place

NSW State Titles

2021

strongman

-64kg class

1st place

Oceania Championship Highland games

2018

Hororata, NZ

Opens

3rd place

Dinnie Stone lift

2018

Scotland

-

NSW State Titles

2018

Strongman

-75kg class

1st place

NSW State Titles

2017

Strongman

-64kg class

1st place

World Strongwoman Show

2016

Dubai

opens

3rd place

Arnold Classic Asia

2016

Hong Kong

-75kg class

1st place

Arnold Classic South Africa

2016

Johannesburg

-75kg class

3rd place

NSW State Titles

2015

Strongman

-64kg class

1st place

Australian Arnold's Classic

2015

-

-64kg class

2nd place

Arnold World Championship

2014

Ohio

-63kg Class

top 10

Highland Games

2013

Strongman

-

1st place

Australian Nationals

2013

brisbane

-75kg class

1st place

NSW State Titles

2012

Strongman

-75kg class

1st place

World's Most Powerful Woman

2012

Scotland

-75kg class

3rd place

NSW State Titles

2011

Strongman

-64kg Class

1st place

Worlds Strongest Woman

2011

Ukraine

Opens

top 10

Australian Strongman League Finals

2010

-

-75kg

1st place

Sydney Strongman Series

2014

Strongman

opens

1st place

Best sporting moment

Lifting the Dinnie stones in 2018 in my home country.

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

What does your competition day look like (Do you have a pre-comp ritual or superstitions)?

The night before I make a list and go through every event to ensure I have all the right equipment. I visualise how I will complete each event. Music drives me . I will make a play list from the songs I've listened to during my training block and play it on the way to my competition.

What is the most important mental aspect of your training and competing?

Remaining in tune with my body - listening to what it is telling me, particularly leading into a competition Accepting that "bad" training sessions are okay. We all have them! Dust yourself off and focus on the next session.

Who are your role models and why?

It will always remain the "oldskool" female athletes who fought hard against all stereotypes and trolling against females in the sport. Jill Mills, Aneta Florczyk, Hanne Bingle, and Heini Koivuniemi are amazing athletes who displayed great sportsmanship.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start in the sport?

Just get involved! You only live once. If you don't feel confident in the gym, grab yourself a reputable strongman coach and get to it!

What are your plans and goals for the future in your sport and generally?

I am enjoying being a coach and mentor to new starters within the sport. I will continue to train and compete for as long as my body allows haha

What do you enjoy doing outside of the gym/sport?

I am a superrrr busy single mama outside the gym so life can be a little chaotic at times but I love going for adventures, hiking and reading.