SUBMITTED PHOTO Jaus and Bridget Neigum celebrate with their two children, Eve and Pierce, after Jaus was named 2020 champion at the Global Operating Challenge in Las Vegas.
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@MHNmocranker
Jaus Neigum is a world champion.
The born-and-raised Hatter flew back from Las Vegas recently, where he competed and won the 2020 Cat Global Operator Challenge.
Neigum was one of nine qualifiers for the event after competing in North Carolina late last year. He says the trip to compete in Vegas is something he will remember forever.
“It’s amazing,” he said. “This is the first time ever that there has been a global operating challenge on a world scale – it’s wild to think I made history.
“Just an amazing trip.”
Neigum travelled down to Las Vegas earlier this month with his wife Bridget and their children Eve and Pierce. They looked on as he competed in three different events to claim his title.
He says he had a good feeling about things leading into the competition.
“I was confident,” he said. “I really felt like I had a real shot at this – I know deep down that I’m a great operator.
“The big pressure comes from all of the people watching – holy crap.”
Neigum came out of the first competition in the lead, before falling behind after the second event. In the third event he experienced technical difficulties but was able to come away with the win.
“I know it looks easy when you’re watching, but we only get one shot and we’re being timed,” he said. “It’s really difficult stuff and you feel the pressure.”
Neigum was required to use heavy machinery to move and lift dirt. He had to drive through a course filled with pylons and had to dig to certain dimensions. Any penalties taken resulted in one minute added to the final time.
“The guys I was competing against, they’re the best in the world,” he said. “I think it was 90 or so events that took place leading up to this one – so this really was the best out there.”
Neigum has been operating heavy machinery since about seven or eight years old. He says his job with Industrial Backhoes is the best in the world. The Hatter added he and his family were proud to represent Canada.
“It was a true honour,” he said. “We loved every minute of it.”
Neigum says he is overwhelmed by support from people and businesses who have reached out to congratulate him.
“The support has been amazing.”
The Neigums are following the two-week self-isolation protocol after travelling.
The full event was streamed online and can be viewed here, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul4bE79jQDQ
