Hugo Girard, the Canadian strongman who's as popular as he's big, told IronMind® today that he has terminated his contract with IFSA Strongman.

"I'm a free man," Girard said, adding that this was "by mutual agreement." Girard said that he looks forward to competing with independent strongman organizations in the future.

In part, Girard said, his separation from IFSA represents his preference for seeing strongman develop as a legitimate sport, as opposed to a sports-entertainment hybrid along the lines of professional wrestling.

Presently recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, Girard said he expects to return to competition next year, better than ever.

And as Hugo Girard fans will tell you, that's saying quite a bit.