AUBURN, Wash. — There's something superhuman going on in a strip mall along Auburn Way.
"One of the greatest strength gyms in the world is in Auburn," said Grant Higa, a trainer and professional strength athlete. "We're definitely a community that supports each other."
Dungeon Strength Rx may have more champions per square foot than any other gym in the world. What's their secret?
"The right coaches, the right athletes, training with each other," said Lucas Hatton, who recently won the title "America's Strongest Man."
A few weeks ago, Angelica Jardine captured the title of "America's Strongest Woman."
"I think the ultimate goal is to be one of the strongest women who's ever lived," she said.
Erin Murray is the first world champion at multiple weight classes in the history of strength sports.
"It was about four years of work to finally achieve that." Murray said. "I want to rack up as many 'firsts' as I can."
Strongman and Strongwoman sports push competitors to the breaking point with feats of pure might and agility, from carrying vehicles to lifting boulders.
"You have to go to a place where you can ignore pain," Hatton said.
"This is not normal, right?" added Higa. "That's what makes it fun to watch."
Dungeon has grown along with the sport that it serves. And its bulked-up members find strength in each other.
"We all win together when we see one of our own succeed," Higa said.
Jardine won her national title less than two years after first entering a local competition here.
"I'm still letting it sink all in," Jardine said.
She hopes her success, and Samoan heritage, will provide inspiration to others.
"I actually would love for more Polynesians to come into this sport," she added.
Murray is striving for her own unique place in history.
"My ultimate goal has always been to be the most decorated Strongwoman of all time," she said.
"She doesn't miss a training day," said Dungeon Strength Rx owner, trainer and competitor, Ryan Terry. "Consistency, consistency, consistency."
Hatton suddenly finds himself facing off against athletes he once idolized from a distance.
"I'm competing with some of the guys I watched on TV," he said. "And two years ago I was competing in a parking lot.
Strong and getting stronger, these Northwest superheroes are lifting Auburn, Washington to the top of the world.
Hatton said, "People are constantly surprised by how strong they can be."
"I love the versatility of Strongman," said Murray. "I love how athletic it makes me feel."
Jardine added, "You can do anything if you really do put the work in for it."
You can see the athletes of Dungeon Strength Rx compete against some of the best in the world at the Rainier Classic, coming to the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, May 4 and 5.