The 2024 Animal Strength Challenge winners are here! Blake Lehew amazed with an 870lb deadlift, Jen Hazzard stunned with a 520lb pull at 133lbs, and Ben Galper wowed with a gravity-defying stunt. Strength, creativity, and heart on full display!
Animal is a titan in the supplement industry. Since 1983, they’ve maintained their position as a brand that gets people excited about fitness and bodybuilding, starting with the original Animal Pak. In October 2024, they launched the exciting Animal Strength Challenge that attracted impressive — and a couple downright insane — submissions from across the strength sports world.
A month after its conclusion, the winners have been announced by none other than Animal’s Evan Centopani:
The 2024 Animal Strength Challenge Winners
The Animal Strength Challenge was designed to test and celebrate both strength and creativity. Athletes could enter by performing any of the three major compound lifts: squat, bench press, or deadlift. Now, the results are in, and the winners have been chosen!
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Men’s Strongest Lift Winner: Blake Lehew
Blake Lehew (@deadliftingorangutan) dominated the men’s category with two incredible lifts:
- An 870-pound (395kg) deadlift
- A 518-pound (235kg) bench press
These massive numbers were achieved while Blake was in preparation for competition.
What makes Blake’s story particularly interesting is his journey in strength sports. As he revealed to Evan, “When I first started lifting, deadlift was actually my worst event – I was the bench press specialist!” Now, Blake owns a powerlifting gym and runs a powerlifting federation, with the sport becoming his “whole world.” As a small business owner dealing with the typical ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the prize money came at a perfect time.
Put simply, Blake exemplifies the dedication and strength that Animal represents.
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Women’s Strongest Lift Winner: Jen Hazzard
Jen Hazzard (@boones_mom) claimed victory in the women’s category with an absolutely stellar performance:
- A 520-pound deadlift at only 133 pounds bodyweight
Jen’s story is particularly inspiring. As a teacher in an underprivileged school district, she’s become a role model for her students, especially young girls who might not have previously considered strength training. “My students tune in throughout the day to keep up with my lifts”, she shared. “It’s been a really cool way to connect with my students, especially my female students who maybe weren’t interested in lifting before.”
Even more touching is her plan for the prize money – she’s using it to support her school’s “Sponsor a Child for Christmas” program, which helps hundreds of children receive Christmas gifts. “I’m gonna make it rain Christmas presents”, she told Evan, demonstrating the heart behind her strength.
In Jen’s interview, she also mentions seeing The Cage. Now that the Cage is officially back (see our podcast Episode #128 with Jason Budsock), we want Animal to bring Jen into the Cage for 2025!
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Most Creative Lift Winner: Ben Galper
Ben Galper (@ben.galper) took creativity to new heights – literally – with his submission. As a professional stuntman with 12 years of climbing experience, Ben created a unique and gravity-defying lift setup that combined his expertise in climbing with strength training.
It’s impossible to even try to explain this one in words.
Using specialized climbing gear and an intricate pulley system, Ben performed his lift while completely inverted – a feat that showcased not only strength but incredible innovation and athletic ability. Absolute insanity.
Ben’s innovative approach came from a desire to merge his passions. “I’ve been rock climbing for 12 years”, he explained to Evan, “so I thought – how can I incorporate everything I enjoy?” The result was a mind-bending setup using an Ohio bar, climbing gear, and an inverted position that left even seasoned judges like Dan Green, John Haack, and the rest of the crew in awe.
(Note: As Ben himself emphasizes, this lift should not be attempted by others due to the extreme technical expertise and safety considerations required.)
Prize Packages Won
Each winner received an impressive prize package including:
- $10,000 cash prize
- $500 in supplements
- $300 in Animal merchandise
- Special feature on Animal’s social media platforms
Looking Forward
The Animal Strength Challenge exemplified what the brand has always stood for: pushing boundaries, celebrating strength, and bringing the fitness community together. With judges including industry legends like Evan Centopani, John Haack, and Renee Jewett, the contest maintained the high standards Animal is known for.
This incredible mix of raw power, inspiration, and innovation shows that these winners represent the very best of the strength community. Stay tuned to PricePlow’s Animal News for more exciting challenges and events coming in the future! And don’t forget to check the new flavors of Animal Primal pre-workout!
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