Athletes from local communities go against national challengers at Frazer Strongman contest

Monroeville resident Jamie Whitman wants to show the nation how strong she has become.

The breast cancer survivor recently got a clean bill of health and will be one of nine women competing in a United States Strongman competition at the Pittsburgh Mills mall in Frazer.

“I’m actually feeling really good,” said Whitman, 42. “I feel better than I ever have. This is the most I’ve ever lifted in my life, which is crazy to think about after everything that has happened over the last couple years.”

Whitman was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2019. She underwent a double mastectomy in September 2019 and finished her chemotherapy in January 2020.

She has remained cancer free and has been training ever since. She took a short time off from lifting in November after battling covid.

“Everything’s been great,” she said about both recoveries. “I’ve had no issues. All my blood work has been perfect.”

Whitman became inspired to compete in Strongman competitions after a Kumite Classic & Fitness Expo at the Monroeville Convention Center several years ago.

“I saw Brittany Diamond competing, and I was like, ‘Wow. I would really love to try this,’” Whitman said. “It was super fun, and I loved it.”

Her debut was in 2017 at the Strength for Autism competition presented by Mouser Strength Dynamics in Washington, Pa.

The competition was a bit personal for Whitman, a certified massage therapist and owner of Maida Steel Health & Wellness in Plum. Her daughter, Zoe, 18, is autistic.

Whitman competed through a back injury. That and other health issues prevented her from participating in other competitions until now.

About 67 strongmen and women are scheduled to participate on Sept. 18 at Steel City’s Strongest, a U.S.S. sanctioned competition at Legends of Pittsburgh Fitness and Performance Center in the Pittsburgh Mills mall.

It is organized by former national champion Vaughn Sikorski of Harrison.

“To me, it’s all about the athletes,” said Sikorski, 52. “I want the athletes to enjoy themselves. I want to run a smooth show. I want to make it enjoyable for them so they want to come back and do it again. They’re going to want to come back every year.”

Sikorski and Whitman train on Saturdays at the Frazer fitness center with a host of other local Strongmen competitors. Her strength and spirit earned her the nickname “Jamie Gains.”

“This group of people, they are family,” Whitman said. “They are not just training partners. It’s super fun. It’s inviting. It makes training easier. It makes you feel good to be around these people. We’re just a bunch of goofballs. As soon as I walked in they made me feel at home.”

The competition includes a dead lift, keg toss, log press and a medley involving carrying sandbags about 50 feet. There’s also a sled pull with the sled resembling the Mt. Washington incline. The frame used in the medley is inspired by the Fort Pitt Bridge.

Sikorski, who earned first place in the USS Nationals in the 50+ Division in 2019, said he wanted to have a Pittsburgh theme to his first event as promoter.

“I don’t care where you’re from,” Sikorski said. “Pittsburgh’s a beautiful city.”

His wife, Paula Sikorski, is handling most of the competition’s business aspects. They have been married for nearly 24 years.

“Thank goodness I have her in my corner because it really makes it easier for me,” Vaughn Sikorski said. “She’s helping a ton.”

USS legend Aaron West will serve as announcer.

Masks will be optional.

Other competitors

David Johns, 55, of Winchester, Va., is the oldest competitor signed up. He started as a power lifter in 1977.

“I’m the oldest guy in every competition,” he said. “As soon as somebody beats me in the dead lift, I’ll quit. It hasn’t happened yet.”

Johns said he makes the three-plus-hour trip from home to the Frazer gym to train with Sikorski instead of staying local because he believes the Harrison native can make him better.

Logan Kozera, 28, of Sharpsburg thinks the same thing. Only the 2011 Fox Chapel Area graduate doesn’t have as far of a drive.

The upcoming contest in Frazer will be his second competition.

“I grew up playing football and rugby,” Kozera said. “This is ever diversified. You train for a competition and find a different competition and different events. You keep evolving.

“There’s people that Vaughn knows from all over that come here and train with us. Some of the world’s strongest men have stepped in here to train us and train with us. This is our church. Grew up Catholic and converted to ‘gymism.’”

Mike Gent of Brackenridge makes his return to competition after a four-year hiatus.

The 2008 Highlands High School graduate hopes for a strong showing and to make his stepson, Felix Vlankcarte, 15, proud.

“It’s time,” said Gent, 31. “I had to raise a stepson who has Down syndrome and autism. He’ll be here.

”What better (way to come back) than in my backyard. Found the right time, the right competition. Got a place. Got a steady job and now it’s time to come back.

”It’s definitely a lot of pressure. I feel like I’ve got to win, but it’s nice to know my friends and family get to come. It’s nice I get to stay in my bed and not a hotel room.”

Gent said he has to consume 4,000 to 5,000 calories a day and trains for three to four hours six days a week.

“Training’s hard, so the competition’s easy,” he said. “A competition could be five minutes. You’ve got to put in (work) in practice.”

Competitors who come in first, second and third in their respective divisions will have a chance to compete for future USS titles.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. More information about Steel City’s Strongest is available on Facebook or at ironpodium.com.