| These images are from the 2001 Worlds Strongest Woman contest in Victoria Falls, Zambia, Africa.
The event, held in October, was conducted by the International Federation of Strength Athletes (IFSA). Strongman competiton news can be found at StrongestMan.com
Out of 8 competitors, Jill Mills placed first, followed in second place by her friend from Finland, Heini Koivuniemi.
The full list of competitors, in order of place:
- Jill Mills (USA)
- Heini Koivuniemi (Finland)
- Robin Coleman (USA)
- Jackie Young (Scotland)
- Josee Morneau (Candada)
- Charmaigne Bos (S. Africa)
- Sharon Waters (Australia)
- Monica Porter (Great Britain)
At the time of the competition, Jill was 29 years old, 174 pounds, with 15 inch biceps. She stands 5'4" tall.
Photos on this page courtesy Trans World International, "The TWI Team."
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| ESPN interviewing Jill.
Jill, prior to winning: "To be the World's Strongest Woman would rank up there with giving birth and my wedding day. It's the top 3 in my life, definitely."
Congrats Jill.
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Heini and Jill share a break and a smile during the games.
The two athletes met at the qualifying games in Scotland in July of 2001.
Superior sportsmanship and comradery between female strength competitors is common. Jill values the friendships she has made while competing. The smiles are real.
Temperatures in Zambia during the competition ranged between 100 and 120 degrees. These girls do not melt!
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Jill carries approximately 143 pounds in each hand during the Farmer's Walk - that's 286 pounds total.
The objective was to carry the weight 150 feet, turn and repeat, as fast as possible. Jill tripped during her walk and dropped the weights, earning 4th place in the event.
When asked about mental toughness by ESPN: "It's the difference between a winner and a loser. You have to be able to suck it up, forget about the pain and just keep going."
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Jill performs the Log Press with 110 pounds. The objective was to execute the highest number of reps in 75 seconds.
Jill needed 12 reps to win. She was stopped by the judges at 53 seconds, having executed 14 reps.
"I don't just focus on my strengths. I focus on my weaknesses."
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Near the bottom of the Car Lift.
This event involved a regulation squat of several hundred pounds, for reps. Jill came in 2nd with 8 reps.
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When ESPN asked Jill if she heard Milo motivating her from the sidelines, Jill replied: "I don't hear anybody else."
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Jill blasts out reps in the Car Lift.
The load was dynamic, in that it became substantially heavier near the bottom of the squat.
Only three of the eight competitors were able to execute reps in the Car LIft.
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The champ, on motivation:
'My motivation comes from me."
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(Left) Jill takes her place as the Worlds Strongest Woman for 2001.
(Above) Zambian fans were enthusiastic and fascinated by the competitors.
Zambian men, women and youngsters expressed acceptance and admiration of the female strength athletes.
Jill noted that more than once, Zambian women approached the athletes and said, "You really make us women proud."
Jill and her friends in competition make us proud as well.
- Article by Jim Walls
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