Not your average Joe: One Cook Islander's inspiring journey to the Strongman Games

A proud Pacific woman is ready to represent her Cook Island roots on the world stage, after securing a coveted spot at the official Strongwoman and Strongman Games in the United States later this year.

Born and raised in Manurewa, South Auckland, and now residing in Melbourne, Kimitaunga, better known as Joe, says the sport offers more than physical demands - it provides a space for growth and representation.

In an interview on Pacific Huddle, Kimitaunga reflects on her upbringing and the lack of representation she felt in sports. Her goals extend beyond simply reaching the podium.

“I didn’t have any people to look up to when I was young, so for me in the time I have on this earth, I want to be able to be a good role model to my nieces, nephews, and any younger generation that comes, because I never had anyone that looked like me.

“They say that Strongman has been going for ages, but I never saw anyone that looked like me.

“That’s what inspires me to do what I do. To be the first Cook Islander to be able to podium at World’s Strongest Woman, but also to be the first from my family,” she says.

Another Cook Islander, Fred Woodthorpe, who lives in Tokoroa, is equally proud to represent the Islands alongside Joanne.

“I was lucky enough to be invited to the official Strongman Games, which is the pinnacle of sport for strongman athletes here in New Zealand, and very lucky to represent the Cook Islands later this year,” he says.

Despite a challenging upbringing, Kimitaunga honours her roots by learning from her past, drawing lessons on what to embrace and what to avoid.

She also credits her parents for giving her the freedom to express herself while growing up, which has helped her balance being an athlete and a person.

“We become our environment, so our upbringing wasn’t that great, but I refuse to let that define who I am because I know and believe what I have in me is beyond greatness. It’s not just to be great, it’s beyond it,” she says.

“There’s a time to be serious and there’s a time to be chill. So I’ve learned what works for me, is when I’m on the platform I’m going to be hard, but when I come off I’m going to come say hi to you.

“And I believe that all comes from how we’ve been brought up. I thank the Lord so much for my parents… we knew what it was like to be a child, so being able to have that freedom, that’s still a part of me and who I am,” she says.

Despite the physical demands of the sport, both Kimitaunga and Woodthorpe agree that the strongman community is tight-knit and supportive.

“It is just ourselves. It’s me against the next person… but I’m also there to cheer the next person on,” Woodthorpe says.

Listen to Joanne Kimitaunga's full interview below.

Kimitaunga says the Pacific and Kiwi community can thrive in this sport. “I think that’s what separates us Kiwis or us Islanders from everyone else is we’re so chill… I believe that’s why a lot of athletes draw to us because on the platform we’re like beasts… and then when we come up, we just laugh and we mock each other and we just have so much fun.”

Working in the mental health sector, Kimitaunga says the sport has brought her joy while sharpening her skills to support others.

“Everything that I’ve learned in the gym has made me the person that I am, but its also helped me be the person that my environment needs me to be. Despite the titles I have, and who I am in those environments, this sport has really shaped me and grinded me to be the person I am,” she says.

Kimitaunga embodies the true essence of strength - the resilience and spirit within her are just as powerful as her physical feats.

With other Pacific athletes, such as Australian influencer Jaiden Laing, also making their mark in the sport, Kimitaunga’s journey reflects the warmth and grace she naturally radiates.

This year's Official Strongman Games will be held in Arlington, Texas, from 20-23 November at the College Park Centre at the University of Texas.