British Female Firefighter Wins Second World's Toughest Title

[Raistlin]

Suzanne Enghed has proved she can take the heat by seeing off 5,000 competitors to be the world’s toughest female firefighter for a second time.

Suzanne Enghed beat 5,000 competitors to win the top spot

Displaying a burning ambition to be the best, the 33-year-old triumphed in four gruelling challenges in the World Firefighters Games, in Sydney.

The tasks included dashing up 86 flights of steps at Sydney Tower while dressed in full firefighting gear and carrying breathing apparatus.

Ms Enghed, who works at Cheltenham West fire station, in Gloucestershire, won the same title in Korea two years ago.

‘It was really like a sprint because in between each of the four parts you only got a five-minute rest, which was enough time to take your tunic off and try to cool down,’ she said.

She completed the four tasks in less than 12 minutes – six minutes ahead of second place.

‘It was no time at all really and it was very, very hard.’

She also paid tribute to colleagues, who helped raise the cash to send her to compete. ‘I’m very proud to have defended my title,’ Ms Enghed said.

‘My colleagues at the station have been very supportive. We did car washes and stair climbs to raise money for me to travel to Sydney.’

The event is held every two years and was founded to celebrate the heroism and fitness of men and women in the emergency service around the world.