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Home / Gisborne Herald

Firefighters prove up for the challenge

Gisborne Herald
7 Nov, 2023 05:24 PMQuick Read

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Best on the day . . . Waiouru NZ Defence Force firefighter Aidan Grant won the men’s individual section of the Gizzy Combat Challenge and the tandem section with Dave Shaw. The gruelling challenge required participants to complete what is known as “the toughest two minutes in sport” — a 20-kilogram hose pack carry up six flights of stairs; 20kg hose hoist; 70kg Keizer forced entry simulator; slalom run and 41-millimetre hose drag; and an 81kg mannequin drag . Internationally, what is now more commonly known as the Firefighter Challenge began as a test to determine if potential firefighters would be successful in the profession but became an elite competition that marked its 30th anniversary in 2021. Pictures by Paul Rickard

Best on the day . . . Waiouru NZ Defence Force firefighter Aidan Grant won the men’s individual section of the Gizzy Combat Challenge and the tandem section with Dave Shaw. The gruelling challenge required participants to complete what is known as “the toughest two minutes in sport” — a 20-kilogram hose pack carry up six flights of stairs; 20kg hose hoist; 70kg Keizer forced entry simulator; slalom run and 41-millimetre hose drag; and an 81kg mannequin drag . Internationally, what is now more commonly known as the Firefighter Challenge began as a test to determine if potential firefighters would be successful in the profession but became an elite competition that marked its 30th anniversary in 2021. Pictures by Paul Rickard

The Gizzy Combat Challenge event brought out the best in the more than three dozen  firefighters who humped rolled hoses up and down a tower and completed a range of other tests at the Marina carpark on Saturday.

Co-organiser Rob Graham said those who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the event drew a reasonable crowd.

Most of the sections were won by firefighters from out of town.

The major Gisborne highlight was the team third placing to Rob Graham, son Gary, Nick Herries, Robin Sneddon and his son Reef.

“We surprised ourselves against some top competitors,” Rob said.

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“Overall it was a roaring success and we will look to hold it again next year.

“All the visitors told us they’ll be back next year and that they’ll be encouraging their mates at their various fire stations to come, too.”

Results — Male individual: Aidan Grant (Waiouru, NZ Defence Force) 1 minute 34.56 seconds, 1; Dave Shaw (Te Awamutu) 1.47.90, 2; Matt Sparrow (Laingholm) 1.55.50, 3.

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Female individual: Jodi Reymer (Pirongia) 2.01.38, 1; Lynsey Nault (Wellington North Rural) 2.46.30, 2; Nicole Paulin (Laingholm) 3.14.31, 3.

Tandem: Aiden Grant/Dave Shaw 1.33.03, 1; Neil Paton (Norsewood)/Aiden Grant 1.33.59, 2; Jodi Reymer /Dave Shaw 1.39.44, 3.

Teams: Hard Ducks (Te Awamutu) 1.34.94, 1; Laingholm Nasty Dolphins 1.43.53, 2; Gizzy Grizzlies 1.48.91, 3.

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