Defending World's Strongest Man winner Svend Karlsen is starting his final preparation for this year's contest.

"My training has just started today for my build up for the WSM, and I am really looking forward to it," Karlsen told IronMind today.

"I have the full five weeks to be home and get ready, and I know I will be hard to beat. I know that there are others . . . Magnus . . . Janne . . . Hugo and Mariusz. I think it will be between us five! I can't do anything about them, the only thing I can do is come in my best and I will!"

Voicing his approval of this year's contest plans, Karlsen said, "I like the events: both squat and deadlift; the only thing that is missing is an overhead!"