The Government of Nauru has celebrated the crowning of Nauruan powerlifter Jezza Uepa as the World's Strongest Man following an incredible effort at the World Powerlifting Championship in Sweden.
Gold medallist Jezza was welcomed back to Nauru last Sunday and a week of celebrations followed with a special event held at the Meneñ Hotel to honour the efforts of all competitors.
Jezza Uepa, Nauruan powerlifter. Australia 2015 Photo: Powerlifting Australia
Jezza took the honours in Sweden in the World Classic in the super heavyweight +120kg class after the USA's Ray Williams failed with three opening squats at 440 kgs.
Jezza squatted 407.5 kgs, benched 264.9 kgs and deadlifted 300kgs for a winning total of 972.5kgs.
There was also success for Irving Harris who took gold in the Master Class 2 division.
President of the Nauru Powerlifting Federation Horasio Cook said he was proud of the team with all athletes making the top ten in their individual categories.
Overall Nauru ranked 13 out of 66 competing countries, quite a feat considering there were only seven lifters in the Nauru team.