Ernst is best known for competing in the 1991 and 1992 World's Strongest Man competitions, finishing 6th and 7th respectively.[1] Gregg began lifting at age 12 when his father bought him a set of weights for Christmas.[2] By age 21, Ernst was a powerlifting world champion, winning the Atlantic Powerlifting Championships in 1982 and 1983.[2] Gregg also won Canada's Strongest Man in 1990 & 1991, and the Nova Scotia Farmer's Walk in 1988 and 1989.[2]
Gregg once backlifted 2,422 kg (5,340 lb) of two cars on a platform to set a world record for live weight backlifting in July 1993. This record still stands today.[2][3][4] At the 1992 World's Strongest Man contest in Iceland, Ernst set a world record in the Husafell Stone carry, carrying the 186 kg (410 lb) stone 70.01 metres (229 ft 8 in), narrowly edging Andrés Guðmundsson's near two full revolutions around the original pen.[4] The record stood for 25 years until the emergence of Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson.
Ernst is also a blacksmith and a beef farmer, plays several instruments,[3] and sang professionally with his four oldest sons.[5]
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia