Paramedic’s show of strength

November 27, 2024 | in News

Carrying hundreds of kilograms, flipping a car and pulling a truck are just a few of the impressive feats Norlane paramedic Katie Blunden has conquered on her path to becoming one of Australia’s strongest women.

Next week, she will head to the United States of America for the Official Strongman Games (5-8 December), to compete for the title of World’s Strongest Woman 2024.

Katie, who is in her second year as an Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedic, began competing in strongman in 2021.

A woman lifts a car onto its side in an arena.

Katie flipping a car during a strongman competition.

“I started lifting in the gym in 2018 then began competing in strongman a few years later after watching one of my friends at a local competition,” she said.

“Strongman is a sport where you lift different heavy objects either for a maximum weight, maximum reps or to carry for a maximum distance or time.

“Each competition will have different events and involve different implements to lift, so it’s always changing and no two competitions are the same.”

A woman paramedic smiles for the camera inside an ambulance.

Katie is in her second year as an AV paramedic.

Katie is currently Australia’s second strongest woman (2024) after being crowned Victoria’s strongest woman in 2023.

She’s also the world record holder for axle clean and press, after lifting 132.8 kilograms.

“I’ve been able to do some pretty cool things in strongman – I’ve pulled trucks, flipped a car, pressed more than 140 kilograms over my head and carried more than 300 kilograms on my back,” Katie said.

A woman pulls a big truck forward using a rope.

Katie pulling a truck.

“I love how diverse the sport is, and that I’m always training a different event or implement.

“Being able to lift heavy weight and achieve something that people such as myself thought was impossible is a very powerful feeling.”

Katie has also achieved a life goal in becoming a paramedic at AV – something she wanted to do since childhood.

“I was inspired for this career after needing an ambulance myself when I was 14 and broke my ankle,” she said.

Three paramedics smile for the camera in front of an Ambulance Victoria helicopter.

Katie (left) and some of her colleagues in front of one of AV’s air ambulance helicopters.

“I enjoy helping people and love learning about medicine so it’s a great combination.

“I also enjoy working a job where no two days are the same and you’re always learning something new.

“Strongwoman has helped me become a very driven and dedicated individual which is important for developing a long-term career.”