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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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A few days before the WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix, Bill Kazmaier made no bones about how he felt about Derek Poundstone, telling IronMind exactly how he saw things.
Coming into the WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix, Derek Poundstone made a bold prediction - that he was the man to beat Mariusz Pudzianowski - and he did just that. Tune into Strongman TV this Friday as Colin Bryce interviews Derek. Randall J. Strossen photo.
"The excitement of Poundstone in the mix will add to the appeal of this event as he is making a point for all strong-minded, strong-willed, super hero types to stand up and Be A Leader not a Pushover,'" said Bill Kazmaier.
If The Mighty Kaz had any reservations, they hinged on what he saw as ever-bigger things for Derek Poundstone: "My [only] concern about Derek is that he should be on a course to challenge the very best in March [at the Arnold] and not lose a stride in his rapid vision/quest towards the top of the sport."
And if you still think Bill Kazmaier was hedging his bets, he continued: "Destiny is calling him and he is answering . . . I like this guy's chances . . . I like this guy's champion attitude . . . I like this guy's back strength . . . I am impressed with the total package."
Bill Kazmaier was right on the money and with his victory at the WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix, Derek Poundstone confirmed his value as hot property in the strongman world. Accordingly, Strongman TV's Colin Bryce will be talking to Derek Poundstone this Friday, February 1, covering such topics as how he prepared for this contest and what he thinks of winning it - making good on his prediction that he was the guy to beat Mariusz Pudzianowski and proving that when the Kaz speaks, it's smart to listen. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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The FORTISSIMUS 2008 steering committee has decided that the second day of the Louis Cyr World Strength Challenge will be the Jon Pall Sigmarsson Day, Paul Ohl told IronMind.  The legendary Jon Pall Sigmarsson gives the No. 3 McGlashen stone a fond embrace. Image courtesy of Paul Ohl. Paul Ohl, head of the FORTISSIMUS steering committee, said: "As a reminder, Jon Pall Sigmarsson was the very first strength athlete to win four times the World's Strongest Man title (Sweden, 1984; France, 1986; Hungary, 1988; Finland, 1990). Adding to this, [Jon Pall won] five World Muscle Power Championships and a bronze medal at the IPF World Powerlifting Championships, in Calcutta, India, in 1981. Sigmarsson was also the first ever to lift the five McGlashen (Atlas) stones in less than 25 seconds, back in 1988. To quote David Webster, OBE, strength historian, 'Sigmarsson is still considered as the all-time greatest of the genre,'" said Ohl. Reflecting on the strongman who first described himself in Viking terms, Paul Ohl told IronMind that at least two events of the competition will honor the memory of the champion he himself met in Reykjavik in 1987. "If strength athletics became the sport it is today, attracting millions the world over, we have to give huge credit to Jon Pall Sigmarsson for having set the stage with such class and sportsmanship more than twenty years ago," said Paul Ohl. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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This weekend, many of the top names in arm wrestling were locking up at the Black Bear Saloon in South Norwalk, Connecticut.  Jim Bryan (right) and Tom Nelson (left) were among the top pullers at this weekend's Northeast Challenge V. Rick "Lummox" North photo. "Pullers from 11 states and parts of Canada were on hand to take part in what would be an incredible gathering of talent," reported Rick "Lummox" North. "One look around the room was a who's who in the sport of armwrestling." Challenge match winners were Luke Eldridge, Ron Klemba, Dennis Dubriel and Marcio Barbosa (left handed); and Nick Zinna, Allen Stilkey, Ron Klemba and Joyce King (right handed). Tournament winners (right/left) were: Harold Ryder/Harold Ryder at 165 pounds; Bill Sinks/Mike Selaris at 198 pounds; Jim Bryan/Tom Nelson at 242 pounds; and Don Underwood/Tom Nelson +242 pounds. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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Iranian weightlifting officials told IronMind that Hossein Rezazadeh would not be coming to the US as part of the exchange program that is bringing a delegation of Iranian weightlifters to the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.  Content to watch the action at the 2007 World Weightlifting Championships, Hossein Rezazadeh (Iran) figures on being a principal player at the upcoming Olympics: He owns all the superheavyweight world records in weightlifting, already has two Olympic gold medals to his credit, and now he's looking for his third. Randall J. Strossen photo. It had been widely reported that two-time Olympic gold medalist Hossein Rezazadeh would be part of this delegation, but, in fact, the Iranian officials told IronMind that "only juniors" are coming. Rezazadeh is completely focused on the 2008 Olympics, they said, where he hopes to win a third gold medal in weightlifting. The upcoming visit is the result of the joint efforts of the US Olympic Committee, USA Weightlifting, the Iranian Olympic Committee and the Islamic Republic of Iran Weightlifting Federation, and it is seen as the first step in a growing athlete-exchange program between the USA and Iran. Even if Rezazadeh will not be coming, there is a bonus here, though: Hossein Tavakoli will be a member of the delegation, according to the Iranian officials, since he coaches Iran's juniors. Tavakoli and Rezazadeh both won gold medals at the 2000 Olympics, and in 2003, IronMind's Randall Strossen and the Arnold's Jim Lorimer invited the two stars to the 2004 Arnold for a special weightlifting exhibition. Iranian mass media broadcast stories on the invitation, and while it initially received a verbal acceptance, the lifters, ultimately, were unable to make the highly-anticipated visit. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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Telling IronMind that he was authorized to extend invitations to the Arnold strongman contest while he was at the Mohegan Sun Grand Prix, Odd Haugen said that Mariusz Pudzianowski had turned down the invitation . . . for a reason you might not guess.  He's used to waltzing across the floor with four hundred pound chunks of steel or stone in his arms, so Dancing with the Stars should be a breeze for four-time World's Strongest Man winner Mariusz Pudzianowski. Randall J. Strossen photo. His fans surely would enjoy seeing the four-time winner of the World's Strongest Man contest add a victory at the Arnold to his considerable laurels, but it's not going to happen in 2008. And why not? Mariusz is going dancing instead, as in Dancing with the Stars, Haugen said, adding that he had then also extended an invitation to Sebastian Wenta, but that he, too, had declined it. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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Beijing - He hadn't competed in three years and had only just recently received his German citizenship, but if you saw him lift tonight, you would have been impressed with Mattihias Steiner (Germany), who ended the night with a 193-kg snatch, a 230-kg clean and jerk, and the gold medal in the superheavyweight class at the Olympic test event in weightlifting.  Take a bow: Mattias Steiner knocks off his third attempt 230-kg clean and jerk in fine style at the Good Luck Beijing International Weightlifitng Invitational Tournament tonight. Randall J. Strossen photo. The jury was hardly inactive in tonight's session, granting Casey Burgener (USA) an extra attempt when the announcer stopped him from lifting as he was gripping the bar on his second attempt (220 kg) in the clean and jerk; and then they overruled the referees and turned down Steiner's second clean and jerk (225 kg). Steiner took this reversal in stride, and he moved to 230 kg on his third attempt, for a good lift. Grzegorz Kleszcz (Poland) got the silver medal, with a 395-kg total, and Gao Le got the bronze medal, with a 391-kg total. "It was his first competition in three years," German coach Frank Mantek told IronMind, obviously proud of Steiner's performance tonight, and the feeling is that we will be seeing bigger things from him as the year unfolds. Earlier today, Huang Huan (China) won the women's +75 kg category via 119/150 in a six-for-six performance. And if you think that's an impressive performance for a 20-year old, consider that Li Rongyan (China), who was fifth, with 102/127, turned 17 about two weeks ago. Aikaterini Roditi (Greece) go the silver medal, with a 254-kg total, and her teammate Vasiliki Kasapi got the bronze medal, with a 250-kg total. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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Beijing - Hoang Anh Tuan (Vietnam) won the 56-kg category at the International Weightlifitng Invitational Tournament last night, even though he missed two jerks.  Looking very strong in the snatch, Hoang Anh Tuan (Vietnam) ran through three good lifts, ending with this 128-kg success. Randall J. Strossen photo. After everyone else had finished in the snatch, Hoang Anh Tuan opened, ripping 122 with authority. He followed with two more good lifts, 125 and then 128 kg, for an 8-kg lead going into the clean and jerk. Sergio Alvarez (Cuba) missed his opener in the clean and jerk, 151 kg, came back to make it, and then missed 155. Lu Jinbi (China) opened conservatively with 143 kg, missed 151 on his second attempt, but then went up 2 kg, to make 153 kg on his third attempt. Coming off his smooth performance in the snatch, Hoang Anh Tuan struggled in the jerk, missing his opener, 150 kg, bounced back to make it, before missing 154 on his third attempt. Hoang Anh Tuan finished the evening with a 278-kg total, for the gold medal, with Lu Jinbi edging Sergio Alvarez on body weight for the silver medal, both tied at 271 kg. Earlier, Wang Mingiuan (China) won the women's 53-kg category with 92/113 for a 205-kg total, followed by Cen Lijuan (China) at 201 kg and Xiong Li (China) at 200 kg. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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Beijing - The 2008 International Weightlifting Invitational Tournament opened today and this morning, lifting in the 56-kg B session, Cen Biao (China) snatched 120 kg, and cleaned and jerked 150 kg.  2005 Junior World Champion Cen Biao (China) helped to open the International Weightlifting Invitational Tournament in Beijing today; this is one of the test events for the upcoming Olympics. Randall J. Strossen photo. This competition is one of the Good Luck Beijing Sports Events, which provide a live test environment for the 2008 Olympic Games. Set in the Beihang University Gymnasium, the competition venue is striking in its Olympic dress, and three more classes will held today, including the A session for the 56-kg category. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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Mohegan Sun - Maybe nobody took him seriously when Derek Poundstone said that he thought he was the guy to beat Mariusz Pudzianowski, but that's exactly what he did tonight at the WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix.  Making good on his prediction, Derek Poundstone beat Mariusz Pudzianowski tonight at the WMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix. Pudzianowski was second and Terry Hollands was third. Randall J. Strossen photo. Poundstone got off to a roaring start, sort of, when he ran away from four-time World's Strongest Man winner Mariusz Pudzianowski in the medley, but there was a hiccup at the end - Poundstone thought he had crossed the line on the frame carry, but actually was inches short and when he went back and got the apparatus past the finish line, but the officials turned it down. Fast forward to the second to the last event, and Poundstone, a local police officer, was five points behind the Polish superstar. On paper, Poundstone could still win, but he would have to take first on the final event, the Atlas stones, and Pudzianowski would have to finish worse than third - not something too many people might have bet on. Nobody made the fifth stone, but Poundstone had a blistering time on the first four, winning the event, while Mariusz came in fifth in the event, which dropped him to second place overall, followed by Terry Hollands |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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Mohegan Sun - The big Rolling Thunder® lifts reported in training sometimes seem to disappear on the day of competition, but that was not so for Mark Felix as he obliterated the world record at the IronMind® Rolling Thunder® World Championships last night with a tremendous lift of 301 pounds.  It was huge: Mark Felix won the 2008 IronMind® Rolling Thunder® World Championships last night at the Mohegan Sun and set a new world record with this lift of 301 pounds. Randall J. Strossen photo. It was history in the making, broadcast live on www.strongman.tv from the Mohegan Sun, as a large, enthusiastic crowd cheered the guys on. Mark Felix certainly was the star of the competition, but there were a lot huge performances as Odd Haugen, Karl Gillingham, Brian Shaw and Terry Hollands all hit 255 pounds, in a four-way tie for second place. The action continues tonight at the WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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Just in from the hardworking WSMSS crew, now on site at the Mohegan Sun: "Great news - we are going to do a live broadcast of the Rolling Thunder® World Championships in the casino at Mohegan!" This is a full tilt, TV quality production, Colin Bryce emphasized. "We have a TV director, two cameramen, all the internet crew, plus myself and Kevin Nee will be commentating along with Svend [Karlsen]." "Anyone can log on to the strongman.tv website," Bryce said, "and sign up and watch for less than $8 - and that is for a monthly basis which also gives them our archive as well as the entire TV production for Saturday night's WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix. And how's this for a bonus? "We will give a 20% discount for the first 500 who put in a promotional code of: ironmind.com ." "We reckon this is excellent value for money and hope its going to be a big success with the fans who couldn't make it in person!" |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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ISA & ASA president Omid Amiri told IronMind that he is planning a five-stage strongman series this year, with competitions in Dubai, Thailand, Singapore, China and India.  Omid Amiri is quick to praise Iranian strongman Farzad Mousakhani, who he sees as ready to take on the best in the world this year. Photo courtesy of Omid Amiri. Mr. Amiri said that each stage would have US$30,000 in prize money, except the last stage, which would have US$50,000, and that "in each competition we have 12 of the best athletes from around the world and two Iranian athletes," one of whom would be Farzad Mousakhani, described by Mr. Amiri as the best strongman in Asia and capable of world class performances. IronMind has no independent confirmation regarding these venues or the announced prize money, but interested parties might want to contact Mr. Amiri directly, via his website: www.asiastrongmen.com . |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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Not to exaggerate, but IronMind thinks that Benedikt Magnusson's recent comments, followed by Derek Poundstone's announcement last week, signaled something big that is going on in strongman. Sure, some people will be quick to politicize Benedikt Magnusson's statement and Derek Poundstone's move, tallying points and casting things in terms of winners and losers for the various strongman federations, but IronMind takes quite a different view. Even if you accept, as IronMind does, that the World's Strongest Man contest is the number one strongman contest in the world, there is room for alternatives. In fact, as IronMind has said repeatedly, one of IFSA's contributions to strongman was the development and introduction of standardized events and implements, as a solution to the "his log wasn't as big or as heavy as mine" sort of controversy. This had been discussed for years, but it was IFSA that transformed it from a conversation item to actual events on the field of competition. And the Arnold has taken yet another tack, using a core group of events and then adding or subtracting to that, but always with a clear emphasis on strength or power, as opposed to speed or endurance, for example. Not everyone is the world's biggest fan of either approach, but regardless, both represent viable alternatives to the WSM format. What IronMind thinks is happening now is that market forces are shifting again . . . and the competitors are learning that the company store is not the only place where their talents have value. IronMind thinks this is good: we like free markets, and we think that in the end, the cream always rises to the top. In the case of strongman, IronMind has been very close to the center of the action for almost 15 years, and during this time, we have seen various attempts to monopolize this or exclude that, but one by one, we have also seen these artificial barriers crumble. In 2008, IronMind predicts the further erosion of walls that were constructed for the benefit of a few at a cost to many, and what will happen is that the top competitors will go to the top contests, which will attract the biggest sponsors, get the most attention from sport's inner circle, and will be preferred by the most discerning fans, as well. The market will have spoken, and in this case, given who's involved, the roar will be hard to miss. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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It began as the 90-kg class, later morphed into the 91-kg class, and now it's the 94-kg class, but no matter because one thing is clear: Ivane Grikurovi - the outstanding Georgian weightlifting coach - seems to have a special ability for producing some the category's top lifters.  Arsen Kasabiev (Georgia), shown starting his warmups at the 2006 European Weightlifting Championships, is considered a medal favorite at the Olympics later this year. Randall J. Strossen photo. It started with Kakhi Kakhiashvili, went on to include Szymon Kolecki and, most recently, Arsen Kasabiev joined the club. Kasabiev, the 2005 Junior World Champion, won the gold medal in the jerk at the 2006 Senior European Championships, and is in the early stages of his bid for a medal at the 2008 Olympics. Both Kasabiev and Kolecki had been training with Ivane Grikurovi in Ciechanow, Poland, but yesterday Ivane Grikurovi told IronMind that he and Arsen Kasabiev are returning to Georgia, as their preparation for Beijing continues, while Szymon Kolecki will remain in Poland, training as a member of the Polish National Team. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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"The Voice of Strongman," Bill Kazmaier, will be doing the honors behind the microphone at the 2008 Rolling Thunder® World Championships this Friday at the Mohegan Sun - and since everyone wants to lift his best in front of this iconic strongman and strong man, big numbers are looking even more likely when many of the strongest hands in the world try to grab the title.  How'd we get so lucky? The Mighty Kaz will be calling the action at the Rolling Thunder® World Championships at the Mohegan Sun this Friday. If you're looking for a 10-kg PR, we think that "The Voice of Strongman" will provide the edge you need - Bill Kazmaier might not levitate the weight for you, but he will motivate you and bring out your best. Randall J. Strossen photo. Will we see the first legitimate 300-pound lift? Will the big training numbers vanish like a snowball on a hot summer day? Will everyone on the podium pull something north of 250 pounds? Will a walk-on demonstrate what showing a strong hand at the Mohegan Sun is all about? Time will tell, but for now, this much is clear: At 9:00 p.m. this Friday (January 18), the Spring Gateway at Mohegan Sun is where you want to be . . . whether you are a competitor or a fan, this is the perfect warm up for the WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix, which is the next night. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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IronMind has just received the official start list for the All-American Strongman Challenge, set for next month at the FitExpo.  Karl Gillingham won the 2007 All-American Strongman Challenge at the FitExpo last year, and he went on to compete at the 2007 World's Strongest Man contest. Who will follow in Karl's footsteps? Randall J. Strossen photo. They range from 25 to 58 years old, from 5' 8" to 6' 7" tall, and from 290 to 340 pounds body weight, but what they all have in common is strength by the bucketful and a desire to do well enough at this contest to garner an invitation to a WSMSS Grand Prix event, the gateway to the World's Strongest Man contest. Grant Higa, Pete Konradt, Brian Shaw, Rob Meulenberg, Jason Kristal, Brian Turner, Marshall White, Carl Foemmel, Matt Parkes, Odd Haugen, Josh Thigpen, Jason Bergmann, David Ostlund, Corey St. Clair, Nick Best, Travis Ortmayer, Brad Dunn, Jim Glassmann, Mark Philippi and Reggie Barton will hit the line for the first four events, after which the field will be cut to the top twelve guys, and they will duke it out for the final four disciplines. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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World Class Events AB, producer of the World's Strongest Man Super Series (WSMSS), is launching www.strongman.tv the first international strongman IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) channel.
World Class Events is launching strongman coverage on internet tv: www.strongman.tv. Artwork courtesy of Jesper Albansson.
"Internet television is a fast-growing, dynamic new medium allowing viewers to watch video where and when they choose. Using Juzou's latest technology, StrongmanTV will deliver a range of live and on-demand programming," Super Series spokesman Jesper Albansson explained. "Despite the global popularity of strongman, it has been extremely difficult for fans around the world to gain access to international strongman programming on demand until now!"
According to the World Class Events press release, this channel will feature live broadcasts and news from WSMSS Grand Prix events, as well as material drawn from the Super Series archives, which go back to 2001.
And talking live, the WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix will be broadcast live on January 19.
"Our aim is to feed the community with fresh, quality content on a regular basis," Albansson said, encouraging strongman fans to check the free preview now and to subscribe to the full service beginning on January 18. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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Wasting no time before commenting on Derek Poundstone's announcement to compete in the WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix, Fortissimus has released an official statement, which follows.
"The Mohegan Sun Super Series' organizers made a great move for which they deserve to be congratulated. And Derek Poundstone made the right decision for the sport's sake. The 2007 America's Strongest Man will most certainly prove himself as a very serious contender to Mariusz Puzianowski's supremacy at WSM [World's Strongest Man]. And it will be for the benefit of strongman sport and the worldwide strength community.
Back in October 2007, FORTISSIMUS had Derek Poundstone on its premium list, although for some unexplained reason he was not even listed on IFSA's rankings.
FORTISSIMUS recognized then that Derek Poundstone had won the America's Strongest Man title by the widest margin ever since the beginning of that classic ten years ago. Poundstone almost made the podium at the 2007 IFSA Worlds. He nearly beat Zydrunas Savickas at the World Strongman Challenge. That same year, Poundstone proved himself as a record breaker strongman, both in overhead and stone lifting. That put him next to a selected few.
FORTISSIMUS has therefore rated Derek Poundstone amongst the top five strength athletes in the world and moving. The LOUIS CYR WORLD STRENGTH CHALLENGE (June 28-29) will be a definite test for Poundstone. The stage will be set for a very close encounter of the world's best. At stake is the Mightiest Athlete on the Planet's title." |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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Laine Snook, the current world record holder on the Rolling Thunder®, has just told IronMind that he injured his back and must withdraw from the Rolling Thunder® World Championships next week at the Mohegan Sun.
Just yesterday, when explaining what it took to excel on the Rolling Thunder®, Laine Snook said, "A good grip! Apart from that, I would say luck." Lady Luck must be on winter holiday because today Snook told IronMind: "I am going to have to pull out of the contest [as] I trained last night and have damaged my back to the point that I am currently unable to stand up. I really am devastated not to be competing; I was looking forward to mixing it up with the best, but unfortunately that is not going to be possible. I truly am sorry that I will not be able to lift, but I cannot lift in the state I am in. Could you wish all the competitors good luck, and let them know that I will be looking to re-claim the world record when I finally get back to my best. I am just going to have to wait for better times. Once again, I really am so disappointed not to be there next week." |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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For the second time in just days, a top strongman competitor has announced that politics will no longer limit where he competes, and showing that his words are backed by his actions, Derek Poundstone told IronMind today that it's true: He will be competing at the WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix next week.
He produced a dazzling performance at the 2007 IFSA-USA/ASC championships and a top finish at the 2007 IFSA World Championships, but that won't stop Derek Poundstone from competing at the WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix next week. Photo courtesy of Dione Wessels.
Poundstone is more that just the 2007 IFSA USA/ASC champion - he is the guy who was in second place in the 2007 IFSA World Championships until the last event . . . which dropped him to fourth overall.
Derek Poundstone confirmed for IronMind that two days ago he had gotten the call from Odd Haugen, inviting him to join the field at the WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix, filling the hole left by Kevin Nee's forced withdrawal due to injury.
Poundstone could hardly contain himself because he lives less than an hour from the Mohegan Sun and he said that he has really wanted to be in this contest for years, but due to his IFSA association, he could not compete in a WSMSS event. The WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix is a contest that is big in its own right, but it gains even more stature since it is a qualifying event for TWI's World's Strongest Man contest.
"With Kevin injured, they needed a 12th competitor," Poundstone said.
"I'm done playing politics," Poundstone told IronMind. "From now on, I'm doing whatever competitions I want to do and if I qualify for World's, I am going."
"When you say 'World's,' do you mean the World's Strongest Man contest or do you mean the IFSA World Championships" IronMind asked.
"World's Strongest Man, of course," Poundstone said.
Poundstone said that it's been hard for him to feel as if he's in the shadows of strongman, since the IFSA contests do not have TV coverage that compares to the World's Strongest Man contest. "I tell people that I'm a top strongman and they say to me, How come I never see you on TV? I see these other guys.' "
Also grating on his nerves, Poundstone explained, was the way he was pressured on Fortissimus: After giving his word to Paul Ohl that he would compete in Fortissimus, Poundstone said that IFSA made it clear that they did not support this contest, putting him in a very difficult position.
"I gave my word," Poundstone said. "When you die, what do you have besides your word? That's your legacy."
Explaining this further, Poundstone told IronMind that he felt that he was being drawn into the middle of a fight and that he didn't want to be there, so guess who's not toeing any more party lines?
And what should we expect when Derek Poundstone joins the fray at the WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix on January 19th?
"It's going to be a battle," Poundstone said, adding that he doesn't want to let down the guys he used to compete with by turning in a poor showing. And for the guy who led Zydrunas Savickas and Mikhail Koklaev with one event remaining in last year's IFSA World Championships, what's he think of the predictions that he might be the person to beat Polish superstar Mariusz Pudzianowski?
"I'm fully capable of it," Poundstone said. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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Denny Felix reported on husband Mark's trip to visit with some of the top US strongmen this weekend, courtesy of his sponsor MET-Rx, as they prepare for the WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix.  "Smiles all �round," Denny Felix told IronMind, as (left to right) Jason Bergman, Dave Ostlund and Mark Felix share the pain of Kevin Nee's arm injury, which forced him out of the lineup for the upcoming WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix. Photo courtesy of Denny Felix. "Felix had an eventful training trip at the weekend," Denny said. "All four guys exchanged notes and gave tips in their fields of strength, in preparation for next week's Mohegan Sun Super Series and the Rolling Thunder® World Championships. Just goes to show there are no hard feelings between the guys." |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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Bill Lyndon has served notice that he's a player in the world of Australian/Asian strongman and beyond, and starting off the new year with a bang, Lyndon told IronMind, "Derek Boyer announced today that he is the character Thunder' in the new Gladiator series in Australia."
"After a month of very tough training in the build up to the series start, which took place this past week with the recording of the first three shows of fifteen in the series, Derek is well on the way to super stardom as he is the biggest toughest Gladiator ever," Bill Lyndon reported to IronMind. Photo courtesy of Bill Lyndon.
"Derek is weighing in at 135 kg is fit and fast, and is showing versatility and athleticism which is directly connected with many years as a strongman competitor and exponent of the old art of Judo. Speaking with Derek today, I asked him about the preparation for this type of show and he said it is the hardest training he has ever done. He stated that the production has spared no expense, with the best trainers, coaches and nutrition experts available in Australia. Derek said it's tough and very demanding on the body, but my recovery is the key and I'm feeling very good after the first three shows.'
Derek said the contestants so far are from elite level sports such as rugby, Australian football and the military: These guys are pushing me hard and I'm fighting for dominance. I am making them feel my power and they are leaving the arena with more than they bargained for.
The word has got out that there is a serious contender from Down Under and this has spiked big interest from the U.S. big budget Gladiator shows currently in production. Who is this guy?' they are asking."
Lyndon continued, "I asked Derek about this and he replied by saying that he would first like to finish this series in one piece and would be happy unleash his character Thunder' on the American public, by opening a big can of whoop ass on the American Gladiator characters. They will be thunderstruck,' he said."
"Talking further with Derek about his first love, strongman, I asked him about future events in strength, and he said that he will start training late February for the Australian Grand Prix that will take place mid April, to defend his long dominance as the Strongest Man from Australiasia.' Derek said, It will be tough to prepare after the shows from Gladiator and there is a big crew of strong guys chasing my mantle.' " |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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Dr. Douglas Edmunds, fondly known as the godfather of strongman, appears to be focusing his latest efforts on the Highlander Games - a concept that combines "traditional throws, gladatorial challenges and feats of strength."  Dr. Douglas Edmunds, long a central figure in strongman, appears to be focusing on a new concept, the Highlander Games, and he has announced a television production which will include some traditional events along with the gladatorial element that Edmunds favors. Randall J. Strossen photo. The 2008 Highlander World Championships will be held July 19-20 at Scone Palace (near Perth, Scotland), and the competition will be structured with "two international qualifying heats," and "all athletes will be world champions, record holders or Olympians," Edmunds said. Edmunds sees the Highlander Games as "a fusion of historical links and traditional sport echoing the preparations for war by our ancestors," and the results of his promotional efforts will be three one-hour television programs for Channel 4 in the UK. Although this sounds a bit tame compared to the near-carnage anticipated on the competitive field, Edmunds reported that a "supporting program of interactive dancing, music and other attractions" would also be included. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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Not merely aiming to win the Arnold strongman contest this year, Iceland's super deadlifter Benedikt Magnusson told IronMind that he would also love to compete at the World's Strongest Man contest later this year.  Off in his own world, Benedikt Magnusson braces for another huge pull on the Hummer deadlift at the 2006 Arnold Strongman contest. Randall J. Strossen photo. "I always wanted to compete in the World's Strongest Man contest, but there has been a lot of politics in strongman," Benedikt told IronMind. Saying that he now plans to compete wherever he would prefer, Benedikt didn't hesitate about whether he would accept an invitation to compete in this year's World's Strongest Man contest, if he were to get the offer. "Oh, yes." First up, though, is the Arnold strongman contest, which some joke is rumored to be considering a new name, the Savickas, in honor of the Lithuanian strongman - Zydrunas Savickas - who has owned the contest for the last five years. Saying that he wants to come in weighing at least 165 kg, Benedikt Magnusson thinks he can still beat Zydrunas Savickas, even though he is so much smaller. "I just have to be ridiculously strong," Benedikt told IronMind. "And that's what I do best."  If it's not nailed down, Benedikt Magnusson can probably deadlift it, and even if it is, he still might pull it off the ground. Sporting the red socks that he said gave him trouble at an IPF meet, Benedikt pulls another big one on the Hummer deadlift at the 2006 Arnold strongman contest. Randall J. Strossen photo. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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A week ago today, "Benedikt Magnusson (440-kg deadlifter and Arnold's Strongman competitor) and Gemma Taylor (twice Britain's Strongest Woman and European Cup Holder)" got married in Iceland.
Benedikt Magnusson and Gemma Taylor got married in Iceland last Sunday. The mighty, happy couple lives in Denmark, for reasons Benedikt is quick to explain. Photo courtesy of Gemma Magnusson.
"The wedding was absolutely the most perfect day of our lives and we are so grateful to everyone who helped make so wonderful! We are also expecting our first baby in June 2008, which is why I will be taking some time off competing," Mrs. Magnusson said. Showing her sense of humor, Mrs. Magnusson, said, "I will be waddling along behind him [at the Arnold]. Growing a Magnusson baby is my biggest feat of strength yet!"
And speaking of the Arnold, Benedikt told IronMind today, "I want to be the best at everything," and this isn't just about strength sports. "I want to be the best father in the world and the best husband in the world." Lest you think Benedikt has gone soft domestically, however, think again.
The happy couple lives in Denmark, where Benedikt is studying construction engineering. Benedikt gave a simple explanation for why he chose to live Denmark, rather than Iceland, at the moment.
"Meat," he said.
Going on to explain that the cost of living is so much higher in Iceland, which makes it is difficult for him to eat as much meat as he would like to gain the weight he feels he needs to reach his goal of winning the 2008 Arnold Strongman contest.
Four-time World's Strongest Man winner Magnus Ver Magnusson (left), along with his two "secret weapons," Benedikt Magnusson (center) and Stefàn Sölvi Pétursson (right), loft the glowing bride, Gemma Magnusson. Photo courtesy of Gemma Magnusson. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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He was bound and determined to do it - driving five hours to the meeting for his official attempt - and then he waited patiently for his certification materials to survive the holiday mail, but in the end, the effort brought a big reward as Yoshiyuki Takahashi became the first man in Japan to be certified for bending the IronMind Red Nail.  Yoshiyuki Takahashi finishes off an IronMind Red Nail, on his way to being certified as the first man in Japan to officially achieve this world standard short bend. Midori Yokoyama photo. Mr. Takahashi's name as been added to the official list of people who have been certified for succeeding with this benchmark short bend, a form of strength first popularized in recent years by the outstanding performances of John Brookfield. Mr. Takahashi's success is also noteworthy in that it highlights how IRONMAN-Japan has successfully introduced grip strength and the related field of bending to Japan, thanks to the good work of Hiro Urata and Midori Yokoyama. |
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by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind
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Reporting "BIG NEWS from the Karlsen Mansion," Lene Karlsen told IronMind, "Guess who will be present in Mohegan Sun on 19th January"  Svend Karlsen (right) will be assisting Colin Bryce (left) with the TV at the WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix later this month. Randall J. Strossen photo. "Yes, we both will come over for the weekend: Svend will do TV together with Colin . . . I will just look good." "We are very excited about this - it's important that people can see that the Viking is still alive." More than merely alive, the Viking is doing well, as he awaits his kidney transplant, and if you needed one more reason to make it to the Mohegan Sun later this month, now you have it. Actually, this is two more reasons because from what we heard, there was no shortage of guys lined up at last year's World's Strongest Man contest asking Lene Karlsen to autograph their MILOs. The WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix is January 19, with a 7:00 pm start time, and tickets are available now. |
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