Fast-rising Ghanaian powerlifter and strongman Evans Nana Ekow Aryee, popularly referred to as ‘Evans the Hulk’ has, once again, lifted high the flag of Ghana by emerging as the first runner-up in the just-ended East Flanders Strongest Competition held in Belgium. 

His win also gives him an automatic qualification into next year's Belgium's Strongest Competition. 

Evans, after emerging second, thanked God, his family and all his fans for supporting him in numerous ways, as this was his first time participating professionally in such a competition.

“I am grateful to God, my family, friends and supporters for their immense support throughout my period of preparation and throughout the competition”.

“Like I said earlier before the start of this competition, the training hasn't been easy, but I kept on with the hope that there will be light at the end of the tunnel," he said.

Asked what his next line of action and focus will be, Evans said he will start training and preparing for other competitions ahead of him, most especially Belgium's Strongest, where he hopes to become victorious and, once again, put Ghana on the international map as far as powerlifting is concerned.

"Clearly, the bigger focus is to win Belgium's Strongest. I look forward to, as soon as possible, begin training to make this dream a reality”.

“As it is very typical of me, I've always had a connection to Ghana and the key amongst the things I want to do is to promote the sport, especially in Ghana, so winning this competition helps and draws me closer to achieving this goal."

East Flanders Strongest is an annual regional competition held in Belgium out of the four regions: Brussels, West Flanders, East Flanders and Wallonia.

Winners of the regional competitions get to participate in the upcoming Belgium's Strongest event to be held in 2023.

The events that were held at the competition include a truck-pull of 18 tonnes and a long last-man-standing with 140 kg, both of which Evans came first.