VALENTINE, Neb. — A Valentine teenager has earned a world championship title at the Official Strongman Games Junior World Finals.

Broden Westover competed in four events against athletes from across the globe, taking first place in both the log press and deadlift ladder, and finishing second in the timber frame carry and sandbag steeplechase.

“It was a little surreal to actually win it,” Westover said. “I knew I had it in me, but you can mess up in an event. You have to perform at your best, and I think I did.”

Westover has been training three hours a day, five days a week, for several years. He has participated in various other competitions, including a second-place finish at the 2025 America’s Strongest Teen competition in Sacramento, where he tied for first before losing in a tiebreaker. He also logged an unofficial deadlift world record.

“I just love to train and feel strong. I’m not sure why I like it, but I do,” Westover said.

The 19-year-old closely manages his diet and training, especially after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 9. He hasn’t let it slow him down and hopes to turn strongman competition into a career. His goal is to earn an invitation to — and eventually win — a Pro-Am event.

“I’m doing different competitions to work my way up to that competition,” Westover said.

His next target is the World Deadlift Championship next September in Birmingham, England. Westover is currently a sophomore studying exercise science at Iowa Western Community College.