Highvale’s Kev “Mad Dog” Taylor leads from the front by going backwards in the Heavyweight division at the recent Australian Tug of War Championships.
A plumber from Highvale has returned home a big winner from the Australian Tug of War Championships.
Kev Taylor helped the Brisbane Bulldogs to their best ever result at a national titles, with his team winning gold medals in four out of seven weight divisions they contested at the Australian championships at Aberdeen, New South Wales from 3-4 July.
The indoor competition was dominated by the Bulldogs, who demonstrated good technique and stamina to win both the Men’s 680kg and the Men’s Heavyweight divisions – their first win at national level since the club was formed.
“It was phenomenal. It (an Australian title) has been something the club has been chasing for eight years,” Taylor said.
“This year I’ve pulled out all the stops to get fitter and to be a valuable asset to the team.
“I’ve been involved in lots of sports, like spear fishing, athletics, triathlon, cycling and rugby league… and of all the sports I’ve done, tug of war is definitely the toughest.”
The Bulldogs, who Taylor said featured “a broad scattering of mixed multitudes”, also earned a silver medal in the mixed indoor competition.
In the outdoor competition the Bulldogs battled hard to win the Men’s 720kg class, and then went on to win the Men’s Heavyweight title without losing an end.
Nicknamed “Mad Dog” by his teammates, Taylor, 48, lined up at the nationals alongside the likes of John Harkness, who represented Scotland at the World Championships, and former London Broncos rugby league player Mick Seaby.
Brisbane Bulldogs founder Graham Egan said tug of war was a misunderstood sport.
“Some people assume that some Herculean effort on the day is all you need to win and that’s all there is to it,” Egan said.
“It’s about tactics and not just strength and conditioning, and also it’s a test of stamina and recovery to keep getting on the rope.”
The Bulldogs, who train on Saturday afternoons at Oxley Police Academy, are looking for reasonably fit men and women for future competitions.
Phone Graham on 3269 9430 or visit http://www.tug-o-war.asn.au/