Well, you want to know: What is it?

Strength historian Paul Ohl, author of the recently-released biography of Louis Cyr, Une Epopee Legendaire, has put this event in context by describing the traditional Chinese Ding lift.

Ohl reports, "It dates back to the Warring States Period (375-221 B.C.). Since there was a very strong demand for military qualities, the soldiers were put to various tests such as forms of heavy lifting.

"The Ding is an ancient cooking vessel with two loop handles and three supporting legs. And the larger Ding was extremely heavy.

"Ding lifting according to Ancient China's historian Wu Zi refers to grasping the loop handles with both hands and turning the vessel upward while snatching. The winners of the Ding-lift were given the title of 'DINGLIFTING WARRIOR.'"

With that historical background, tomorrow's event is easier to envision and understand: Imagine a traditional three-legged cauldron weighing a mere 170 kg. Now all you have to do is wrap your arms around it and carry it as far as you can . . . The strongest man wins.