Butte Strongman Lifts 96,000 Pounds for Addiction Recovery
A Montana athlete is attempting to break a world record by swinging a kettlebell for one hour straight, lifting 96,000 pounds to raise money for people recovering from addiction. Ray Hibnes combines his passion for strength training with community service in a truly uplifting way.
Ray Hibnes plans to swing a kettlebell for 60 minutes straight on Saturday, hoisting more than 96,000 pounds to help people fighting addiction in his hometown of Butte, Montana.
The strongman already holds one world record. In 2024, he beat a Swiss competitor for most weight lifted by kettlebell swing in one minute, proving he has the strength and determination to go the distance.
This time, Hibnes is pushing himself even further with an hour-long challenge at Kinetic Fitness. All proceeds will benefit Butte Spirit Homes, a local organization building a new recovery home for people overcoming addiction.
"To just do it by myself just feels empty," Hibnes said. For him, breaking records means nothing without helping his community.
Hibnes joined Montana Tech's football team as a walk-on in 2001. Now he works in IT and coaches youth strength training, but he's never forgotten the value of giving back.
The challenge requires incredible physical endurance. Kinetic Fitness owner Melissa Kindt put it in perspective: "The kettlebell that Ray will be swinging is about as heavy as I am."
Proper form is crucial for the record to count. Hibnes has assembled a team of fitness experts, including coaches Tyler Griffin and Jed Fike, to ensure every swing meets official standards after some lifts were disqualified during his last attempt.
Why This Inspires
Sean Weisner of Butte Spirit Homes said Hibnes' effort means everything to the organization and the people they serve. "A world record is like kinda hard to wrap my head around," Weisner said, calling the attempt an inspiration for the entire community.
The combination of personal excellence and community service creates something powerful. Hibnes proves that individual achievement shines brightest when it lifts others up alongside you.
His choice to support addiction recovery is particularly meaningful. Recovery homes provide safe spaces where people can rebuild their lives, and Butte Spirit Homes needs funds to open their doors to more residents seeking hope and healing.
The event shows how one person's dedication can inspire an entire community while raising critical funds for those who need it most.
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Based on reporting by Google News - World Record
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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