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Victoria cop wins Toughest Competitor Alive competition in the World Police and Fire Games in New York

Const. Lane Douglas-Hunt wins gold despite recent on-the-job injury
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Lane Douglas-Hunt deadlifts 300 pounds at a workout session in Victoria. The 24-year-old is a constable with Victoria police

When Mary Douglas-Hunt picked up the phone at her house in Oak Bay, her husband on the other end of the line asked if she was sitting down.

“She won gold,” exclaimed Cliff Hunt.

The couple’s daughter, Lane Douglas-Hunt, Wednesday won the gold medal in the Toughest Competitor Alive competition in the World Police and Fire Games in New York City.

“Oh, man, I was just so so (proud). I said, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’ I was just so excited,” Mary said Thursday. “We’re still shaking our heads in disbelief.”

The win comes less than one year after Lane, 24, was allegedly stabbed while on duty. As a VicPD officer, she was investigating a reported shoplifting in the 700-block of Douglas St. on Jan. 17. As she exited the convenience store, a suspect came at her with a knife.

Lane suffered serious stab wounds to her left hand, requiring months of rehabilitation and keeping her away from the gym much of the spring, her mother said.

Guy Hervé Seguin was charged with attempted murder in the incident. He stands trial in February 2012.

As soon as she was able, Lane got back to her rigorous workout routine of two hours of exercise each day, Mary said.

The Toughest Competitor event combines eight sports into a gruelling 14-hour day. And despite Lane being disqualified from the rope-climb component, from touching her foot to the rope, Mary said, she still came out on top.

“It was a long day of competition, but it is so rewarding to come away with the medal,” Lane said in a statement.

“It was very cool to be competing against fellow cops and firefighters from around the world and collectively celebrate our accomplishments and success.”

Added Victoria police Chief Jamie Graham: “Const. Douglas-Hunt has worked tirelessly on her rehabilitation, and for her to accomplish this achievement at the international level reflects highly on her, her supportive family and colleagues.”

Lane isn’t the only VicPD officer to collect a medal at the games.

Sgt. Mike Chicorelli and canine officer Max picked up a gold and a bronze medal on Wednesday as well, in the explosives detection competition. The pair won gold in vehicle searches and bronze for building searches.

The World Police and Fire Games happen every two years. This year’s games feature 15,000 competitors in 65 events, from 70 countries. The games started Aug. 26 and wrap up Monday.

Did you know?

The Toughest Competitor Alive competition is considered one of the premier events of the World Police and Fire Games. Its schedule includes:

• five-kilometre cross-country run

• shot put

• 100-metre sprint

• 100-metre swim

• 20-foot rope climb

• bench press

• pull-ups

• obstacle course