Heavy lifters compete in Strongman Competition Published Feb. 12, 2014 By Senior Airman Caitlin Guinazu 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The 366th Gunfighter Fitness Center hosted a Strongman Competition at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Feb. 6. The competition consisted of three grueling events; bench press, shoulder press and front squats. In the event of a tie, the top competitors would continue on to a final 'burnout,' a match of wall ball tosses. Thaxton Pennamon, from the heavy weight category, placed first in his weight division and was also the overall competition champion. Strongman Competitions, also known as strength athletics, are a sport which tests competitors strength in a variety of categories. Although it's necessary to train the entire body for strength, individuals will focus on a variation of squats, shoulder and bench presses. Training also involves building overall strength, individuals will often utilize equipment used in the competition to gain familiarity and develop grip strength. The competition was hosted as a preliminary event for the Annual Strongman Competition held in April.