This year’s Griz Days was one to remember for Bridget Brown, who was crowned the Extreme “Grizette” on Saturday, beating reigning champion Alison Smith to the title.
The 29-year-old Australian was among about a dozen men and women to register for the Extreme Griz competition, which was held at various locations around Fernie.
Participants were awarded points based on their performance in challenges including pancake eating, axe throwing, log sawing, a snowshoe obstacle course and a keg toss.
“Everyone knows I’m an eater, so pancake eating is no issue - carbs are my favourite food,” said Brown, who works at Big Bang Bagels.
“I wanted to hang out with friends but I also have a competitive streak, so to be able to beat the reigning champ, I was pretty happy.”
Taylor Entz successfully defended his title as Extreme Griz after 12 months of preparation to ensure he was physcially and mentally fit.
“Whether that means lifting things, skiing or biking, I like to make sure I’m competition ready all year round,” he said.
The 30-year-old electrical engineer found the pancake eating challenge most difficult, despite beating his previous personal best of three pancakes.
“By the end of the event, I was fighting to quickly stuff my already full stomach with more pancake, it almost didn’t end well,” he said.
“It didn’t help that I decided to eat breakfast earlier that morning.”
Brown says she will use her status to advocate for the Grizette to have her own crown next year, while Entz plans to channel Uncle Ben’s philosophy of “With great power comes great responsibility”.