Hold a heavy strongman contest and the really strong guys will show up, so it's no surprise that Brian Schoonveld just confirmed that he will be competing in the FitExpo's strongman contest next month.


Schoonie pressing the Apollon Wheels at the 2004 Arnold Strongman competition: It might not be on the Olympic program any more, but pressing remains a fundamental test of strength, and if you made a short list of the top pressers in strongman, you'd find Brian Schoonveld's name in the thick of things. IronMind® | Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.
 

The FitExpo strongman contest will span two days, featuring three events per day. Day one will see:

IronMind's Apollon Axle™ for maximum weight
farmer's walk with 400 pounds in each hand
a medley comprising a 600-pound front carry, 500-pound power stairs and loading a 400-pound sand bag

Day two will continue with:

side handle deadlift for maximum weight
1,000-pound yoke for distance
stone loading

Odd Haugen just received a 410-pound natural stone as his anniversary present and it will be included in the loading event. "It's a great lifting stone - very challenging," Odd said, but he noted that he lifted it, in front of witnesses, the first time he tried, so he feels it is fair to include it in the contest.

As a typical Odd Haugen strongman contest, expect things to be "heavy, short and sweet," and to drive the point home, Odd said, "Somebody very strong will win."

Mark your calendars for the FitExpo: Pasadena, California, February 18 - 20, and keep your eye on the FitExpo's official web site for more details.