In a stunning display of power and determination, a mother-of-two from the Upper Hunter has transformed her life from disability support worker to state champion strongwoman in less than two years. Carly Patterson, 36, of Scone, began strength training purely to better assist her clients but has since claimed both the NSW and Tasmanian open women's strongwoman titles, booking her ticket to the national stage.
A Practical Start Leads to Competitive Fire
Carly Patterson's journey into the world of strongwoman competitions, which tests athletes in events like deadlifts, farmer's carries, and Atlas stones, began with a simple, practical goal. Around 18 months ago, she started strength training to improve her capability in her role as a disability support worker.
"I wheel people around and they get heavy, but I didn't want them to feel like my being out of breath was on them," Patterson explained. "They have enough going on. I didn't want them to feel like I couldn't cope with their weight. That was the main reasoning."
Her first foray into competition was at a novice event in Tamworth in January 2025. After winning there, she progressed to the open women's category by June, competing in Broke. It was after this victory that her ambition truly ignited.
Coaching and Rapid State Success
Connecting with coach Macauley Tinker at the Melbourne Highland Games in March 2025 proved pivotal. Patterson boldly called him with a clear goal: "I want to be Australia's strongest female." Tinker believed in her potential and mapped out a path, starting with state titles.
The plan came to spectacular fruition in late 2025. At the Tasmanian titles in Hobart during November, Patterson's campaign began shakily with a tumble during the 200kg farmer's carry. "I looked at my partner and thought, 'I'm not meant to be at this level'," she recalled. However, she demonstrated immense resilience, sweeping the remaining four events—trump log, deadlift ladder, sword hold, and Atlas stones—to claim the crown.
Just weeks later, despite already qualifying for nationals, she contested the NSW State Titles at Emu Plains. In a gruelling 10-hour competition, victory came down to the final stone—a 110kg Atlas stone. Her successful lift secured a second gold medal. "I get goosebumps thinking about it," Patterson said. "I went to the gym to get stronger to push people around, not to get this sort of achievement."
National Ambitions and a Supportive Community
Patterson's remarkable year has earned her a spot at Australia's Strongest Man & Woman 2026, to be held at Sydney Olympic Park on May 1-2. There, she may face elite competitors like international silver medalist Alira Joy. Her goal is modest yet mighty: "My goal is to podium and I don't care where. I'd love to be top three."
She credits the unique camaraderie of the strongperson community for much of her inspiration. "There's no other sport where a person you are competing directly against is screaming at you to beat them," she noted, recounting how a rival once told her exactly what she needed to do to win.
Balancing training with family life, Patterson works out four times a week in Muswellbrook and follows a nutrition plan designed by Melbourne-based expert Steph Eggleton. Her dedication has inspired her 13-year-old son, Tye, who has also taken up the sport. Her clients are equally supportive, with one joking she loves being transferred by Patterson because "it feels like I'm going to end up in the driver's seat."
From a practical solution to a workplace challenge to standing on state podiums, Carly Patterson's 18-month ascent is a powerful testament to where strength, both physical and mental, can lead.
