A Forsyth County man proved his physical prowess during a recent stair-climbing competition in Atlanta.

Thom Brown, who is a lieutenant with the Milton Fire Department, clocked the shortest time on a 50-floor climb up the Peachtree Tower, the fourth largest skyscraper in Atlanta. He did it in nine minutes and 58 seconds.

The April 19 event, which was a fundraiser for the American Lung Association, drew competitors from 16 different metro Atlanta fire departments, including Forsyth County.

Brown, who lives in Forsyth County but works in nearby Milton, said it was his first time at the event.

"I didn't think I would do as well as I did," Brown said.

Organizers gave Brown a first-place medal for winning. His mother said it was an honor.

"He did a great job," said Gail Brown of Forsyth County.

Thom Brown works out at the gym daily, which he said probably played a part in his victory.

According to its Web site, the mission of the American Lung Association is "to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease."