Local Bronze-Winning Strongman Becomes Chairman for Florida Strength Games
by James Coulter
Photos provided by Dan Miner
This local strongman won bronze at the World Strength Games even with a torn calf. Now he’ll be supervising the state division as chairman.
Dan Miner, a bronze award-winning weight lifter from Winter Haven, was recently appointed as the Chairman for the Florida Strength Games.
“It is extremely exciting,” Miner said. “It is invigorating. It’s surprising. It’s absolutely amazing. I feel very humbled and very blessed to have this opportunity come my way.”
Ever since he was a little boy, Miner dreamed of competing in the World Strength Games. That dream came true last year when he received the fateful phone call notifying him that he had qualified to compete in the games.
For 15 long weeks, he trained his hardest for the games in Utah. However, trouble struck him in the first event when he tore his right calf. Despite everyone telling him to quit, he never gave up, his perseverance earned him a bronze medal.
Miner remembered when he received the phone call that he would be competing in this year’s games. He could not believe the news. Now that he’s been named the Florida Chairman, he’s doubly in disbelief. Nevertheless, he is proud of his success and owes it all to his hard work, dedication, and the glory of God.
“I think that it’s really just a gift from God,” he said. “It is a blessing. I’ve stayed faithful and loyal. I just kind of done my own thing. I show up to these shows. I do the best job that I do because of my love for the sport.”
Through his career as an amateur weight lifter, he has participated in three games: the Ragnarök Games in 2023, and the World Strength Games in 2023 and 2024. As Chairman, he will oversee The Florida Strength Games, which will serve as a regional qualifier for the World Games.
“I was extremely surprised,” he said. “I didn’t even know that Florida was really on the ballot to be one of the places to have a qualifying show. Florida is a hotbed for Strongmen. We have a lot of good strong guys in the state who competed at national and international levels.”
With the Florida Games being brand new, both Miner and his associates will be treading new territory. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about moving forward. He knows that his experience as a participant and competitor will allow him to make these games the best they can be.
“We are going to have to work on building up that brand and gaining the respect and appreciation of the athletes as well as the sponsors and the spectators,” he said. “We have created a whole other pathway to get the World’s Strongest Man where there was not before and Florida Strength Games will be an integral part of that in bringing athletes from around the world to get to get to that next step.”
Having been interviewed previously by the Daily Ridge through Winter Haven Daily and Chattin on the Ridge, Miner appreciates the attention he has gained through the World Strength Games, and he especially loves the feedback he has received through his media appearances.
“I just want to thank everybody at the Daily Ridge and all of the readers and subscribers for keeping up with the journey,” he said. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everyone’s support and positive comments. I read every comment that takes place on the Daily Ridge or Chattin on the Ridge. So, I appreciate all the positive feedback and energy. It is wonderful to see that kind of support.”
To follow Miner’s strength training journey, follow him on Instagram at Big_Daddy_Strength. And to learn more about the World Strength Games, visit their website at: https://ironpodium.com/browse/event/the-world-strength-games-1
Original article about his Bronze win:
