The tragic news of Hayden Lee’s passing has been shared recently through Instagram posts of his close friends and family yesterday. The young strongman and powerlifter, unfortunately, died at the age of 26-years-old after battling blood cancer on the morning of Thursday, April 14th.
Very sad news this morning 😢 – RIP my brother Hayden 🙏
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#fuckcancer – will definitely miss your energy no matter if strongman/Powerlifting competition was always good to see you and have a chat with the man from the South island – others said it before me “you will be remembered as a fuc*ing legend”
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I’m deeply sorry that your family is experiencing the pain of a loss like this. My heart goes out to each of you. ❤
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See you in valhalla my brother
Hayden revealed his diagnosis in the caption of an Instagram post in June 2021 and started his first chemotherapy the same day.
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The Strongman and powerlifting communities of New Zealand have suffered an enormous loss with the passing of Hayden Lee. He was an incredible role model for many, a great advocate for sports, and an extremely powerful man. The people closest to Hayden are most aware of his talent, and will definitely reveal some impressive tales of his strength to coming generations. Hayden’s fellow Strongman competitor in the U105 kg category, Tyler Simpson, has already shared the moment when he realized how impressively strong Lee was.
“I back spotted you doing a 300 kg squat and immediately knew what a bright career you (Hayden) had in front of you.”
Hayden Lee’s Career
Hayden Lee was an extremely successful powerlifter, who then transferred to Strongman and continued impressing everyone. Throughout his powerlifting career, Hayden has taken part in 19 sanctioned competitions, and won 12 of them. His first competition was way back in 2010 when Hayden was around just 14-years-old.
Hayden Lee’s Greatest Powerlifting Performances
- 2017 IPF World Sub-Juniors & Juniors Powerlifting Championships – 4th place
- 2015, 2016, 2017 NZPF Canterbury Powerlifting Championships – 1st place
- 2016 OceaniaPF Asia & Oceania Equipped Powerlifting Championships – 1st place
- 2016 NZPF New Zealand Powerlifting Championships – 1st place
Hayden Lee’s Equipped (Single-ply) Competition PRs:
- Squat: 350 kg (771.6 lbs) (2017 NZPF Canterbury Powerlifting Championships)
- Bench Press: 205 kg (451.9 lbs) (2017 IPF World Sub-Juniors & Juniors Powerlifting Championships)
- Deadlift: 310 kg (683.4 lbs) (2017 NZPF Canterbury Powerlifting Championships)
- Total: 855 kg (1884.9 lbs) (2017 NZPF Canterbury Powerlifting Championships)
After feeling accomplished as a powerlifter, Hayden Lee started doing Strongman. This transition happened in 2017, and since then, he has made waves in the community. Hayden was recognized as a beast in the U105 kg weight class, and helped bring New Zealand’s sport of Strongman back to life.
You can watch Hayden complete some impressive Strongman movements here:
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It is very sad that Hayden Lee did not get the chance or the time to complete more, but the next generations and his country will forever be grateful for his contribution to its sport. Team Fitness Volt staff sends our sincerest condolences to Hayden Lee’s family and friends. May He Rest In Peace.
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