"It took us a little time to do the much needed assessment of the final size of the field," FORTISSIMUS 2009 president Paul Ohl told IronMind®, "and, of course, to determine whether or not the competition would gain by adding more competitors."



No American strongman since Bill Kazmaier has produced the breakout performances of Phil Pfister, who has just confirmed that he will be competing in FORTISSIMUS 2009. IronMind® | Randall J. Strossen photo.


"We have also sought advice and listened to what the world strength community had to say about the issue," continued Ohl. "Finally, we reviewed the track records of at least five world-class competitors and asked, in three cases up to now, to officially confirm their willingness to compete in June 2009. Yesterday, FORTISSIMUS WORLD STRENGTH made the crucial decisions with regards to crucial issues" and the bottom line is that "FORTISSIMUS WORLD STRENGTH has decided to increase the field for the 2009 FORTISSIMUS STRONGEST MAN ON EARTH to 14 competitors," according to an official statement released by the group.

"That decision" continues the statement, "was based on the fact that at least five very worthy competitors were left out on account of the limited number of spots. Today, FORTISSIMUS WORLD STRENGTH announcesthat Phil Pfister from the United States of America will join the starting field for 2009. One more name will be released in the course of next week, and that a final name will be released after a joint evaluation with the officials of the Strongman Champions League."