TOLEDO, Ohio — Marcus Waugh is a firefighter for Toledo Fire and Rescue, working at Station 21 on Detroit Avenue.
A big chunk of his week is dedicated to saving lives and being a hero. But what does he do in his spare time? He becomes the world's strongest firefighter.
"This is a passion for me," said Marcus. "Lifting weights has always been a passion of mine, so to be able to have that also is a good release because we see some things on the job that normal people are not supposed to see."
This past Saturday, Waugh won the title of world's strongest fireman at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, beating out 119 other athletes. He was given the axe trophy award by the original strongman himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"Just to see Arnold Schwarzenegger there too just amped it up even more to the point where you're like, 'I better not mess up,' because the man is watching," said Marcus. "So a little bit of fear with it, but mostly just a euphoric high of energy."
Powerlifting has become a lifestyle that Marcus and his wife Stephanie have adopted over the years.
But seeing her husband become a world champion was a moment she'll remember forever.
"It was incredibly special," said Stephanie. "I felt so much love and relief for him because it's something that I knew he felt in his core and really worked, put everything into and worked so hard for."
With the Arnold title now his, Marcus plans to get some much needed rest and then get back to the station and normal routine soon.
"It's still sinking in a little bit, the realization, especially after the contest was over and I knew that I won. It was kind of surreal to me, like a dream," said Marcus. "The notoriety is fun, now I'm ready to get back to work and defend my title again next year."
Marcus competed in the following events:
- Max Sandbag to Shoulder.
- Crucifix Axe Hold.
- Ambulance Tire Deadlift for Reps.
- Fire Hydrant Shoulder Press for Reps
Just to show how strong Marcus is, he won the sandbag event by hauling up to his shoulder a bag weighing 396 pounds.