By Marlane White
Myrtle Beach is once again stepping into the global spotlight as the World’s Strongest Man competition returns to the Grand Strand and this year it’s already delivering moments that go far beyond the competition floor.
As elite athletes from around the world arrive to compete at Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place from April 23-26, one competitor offered a glimpse into what makes this event and this destination so unique. Paddy Haynes a 6’3”, nearly 300-pound strongman from Oxfordshire, England, took a break from training to experience one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular attractions Ripley’s Aquarium.
Swapping heavy lifts for a hands-on animal encounter, Haynes met penguins Gretyl Chickpea and Elton three of the aquarium’s most beloved residents. The moment captured a side of the competition that fans don’t always see. Known for brute strength and intense focus Haynes was quickly disarmed by the charm of the penguins especially when he had the chance to gently pet Gretyl.
“They’re way softer than you’d think” he said. “Because they’re waterproof I didn’t expect it to be so fluffy and they’re just so cute. I want one.”
The visit didn’t stop there. In a moment that perfectly blended fun with personality Chickpea and Elton created a custom painting for Haynes waddling through paint and across a canvas. It’s a one-of-a-kind souvenir he plans to take home a reminder of his time in Myrtle Beach that has nothing to do with lifting stones or pulling trucks.
While fans will gather to watch jaw-dropping feats of strength throughout the four-day competition moments like this highlight why hosting the World’s Strongest Man in Myrtle Beach matters. This isn’t just a venue, it’s a full experience. Athletes aren’t just competing here they’re engaging with the community, exploring local attractions and sharing those experiences with audiences around the world.
The competition itself promises high-energy intense rivalries and world-class performances as top strongmen battle it out along the oceanfront. With events set against the backdrop of the Grand Strand spectators have a rare opportunity to witness one of the most iconic strength competitions in the world while enjoying everything the destination has to offer.
Haynes’ visit to Ripley’s Aquarium is a reminder that even the strongest athletes in the world can be surprised by what they find here. Between the competition the coastline and experiences like these, Myrtle Beach delivers something memorable at every turn and this week all eyes are on the Grand Strand.
