10/08/2026
STORY TIME 📖 | THANK YOU, DREW & KRYSTAL
After another fun-as Ekka comp comes to an end, so too does an iconic chapter in Australian Strongman.
With Drew Spriggs and Krystal stepping away from running competitions, I thought we’d use this week’s Story Time to throw back to some of our early days under the ASA banner and say a massive thank you for everything they’ve given to Strongman and our community.
The first pic is for those who have never seen Drew without a beard 😂
That was back in 2012 when we first met.
Panthers started getting involved in Drew’s novice comps in 2018, and later that year we took our first team to the ASA Nationals.
Looking through these photos, one thing really stands out:
So many of these lifters were introduced to Strongman through Drew’s competitions.
We’ve met awesome people, built lifelong friendships, and watched powerlifters come over to “just have a go” before falling in love with Strongman completely.
One of my favourite memories was Lea seeing Tiz on the competitor list and telling me, “I really want to beat this lady.” 😂
They battled all day, became close friends, and nearly 10 years later they still catch up to do ridiculous cardio adventures together.
Then there’s Martin.
Drew invited him to compete at the Ipswich Show, gave him free entry in the all-abilities division, then spent his own time and money building a go-kart deadlift frame so Martin and the other all-abilities athletes could do the same events as everyone else.
To this day, Martin still talks about the time he deadlifted a car.
That probably sums Drew and Krystal up better than anything.
From all of us at Panthers, thank you both.
Your generosity, hard work and genuine lifter-first mentality have had a positive effect on our team that will be felt for years to come.
You didn’t just run competitions.
You created memories, friendships and Strongman athletes.
Enjoy the very well-earned rest ❤️
Thank you, Drew & Krystal.
