Santo Domingo - The powerhouse Chinese weightlifting team won the first gold medal the 2006 World Weightlifting Championiships, as Li Zheng won the snatch in the men's 56-kg category today.


Li Zheng won the snatch by four kilos with this 128-kg lift, and he needed every one of them as he also took the gold in the total, but only by one kilo. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

Li moved through three successful snatches - 123, 126 and 128 - and he was the only lifter in the top ten with this distinction. Li has a wide squat and he plants his right foot ahead of his left foot, which might sound awkward, but it appears natural for him as his lifts looked pretty good - he had already won the gold medal with his second snatch, but as it turned out, he needed the margin given by his successful third attempt. Hoang Anh Taun (Vietnam), a MILO favorite, got the silver with a very nice 124 and Sergio Boulet (Cuba) earned the bronze with 123, positioning himself to do something even bigger in the clean and jerk.

Wu Meijin (China) had bombed in the snatch with 121, but he seemed to be on track for a clean and jerk medal when he opened with a good 152. Li missed the jerk on the same weight on his first attempt, and that seemed to open the door for everyone who was chasing him in the snatch. Hoang made a very nice lift with the same weight on his opener, with a very deep split in the jerk and Wang Shin-Yuan (Taipei) also had a successful opener with 152. Boulet, who had opened with 148, made a good lift with 153 on his second attempt, the same weight that pinned Eko Irawan (Indonesia). Igor Bour (Moldavia) got buried with 154 on his third attempt, and Li, who had made 152 on his second attempt, got under but couldn't stand up with 154 on his third attempt, so it was wait and see time for him.

Wang called for 155, looking for first in the clean and jerk, and third in the total, but he missed the jerk behind. Wu missed the jerk at the last second on the same weight, and Hoang got under the weight, only to get bowled over and flattened out on the platform as he went over backwards as he fought to save the clean.

Lee Jon-Hoon, the colorful Korean lifter, made the weight and it put him in gold medal position in the clean and jerk. Hoang came running out with 12 seconds showing on the clock, not much time even for a lifter as speedy as he is and all he did was pull - as things turned out, this was a timing error, so who knows if this might have cost him the lift. Boulet made a very nice 156 to go into gold medal position in the jerk on his third attempt, which Wu tried to leapfrog, but he missed the jerk with the same weight on his third attempt.

And on the last attempt, Wang, going for all the marbles, called for 160, which would be good for the gold in the total as well as in the jerk. He got under the bar, fought his way up, but then he missed the jerk.

Good, competitive class with some very nice lifts.

Santo Domingo - If you're interested in watching little men lift little weights, you'd be disappointed in Hossein Rezazadeh.


Making it look very routine, probably because it is for him, Hossein Rezazadeh power snatched 180 kg in the training hall at the World Weightlifting Championships today. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

This was a big workout because the Iranian star has been quiet about this recent training lifts and today his form became public. The veil was lifted more when Rezazadeh front squatted, and in signature Hossein Rezazadeh style, he did a triple with 120 kg, a triple with 220 kg and then three pretty easy singles with 270 kg.


Three singles in the front squat with 270 kg were just another day in the office for Hossein Rezazadeh, shown in the training hall at the World Weightlifting Championships (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic). Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

Santo Domingo - With the competition set to begin at the World Weightlifting Championships tomorrow, the dining hall got quite a workout tonight.


Two-time Olympic gold medalist and the man who owns the world records in the superheavyweight class, Hossein Rezazadeh tunes up in the dining hall. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

The biggest star of the weightlifting world, superheavyweight king Hossein Rezazadeh won't say much about what he has been lifting in training, preferring to have his performance speak for itself, but there is a general feeling that Rezazadeh is capable of breaking any of his world records just about any time he steps on the platform. Still, he can't help but be discouraged by the shocking news that nine of his teammates tested positive, and he might also be saving some of his ammo for the Asian Games later this year.

Talking with Yordan Ivanov, who appears to be taking primary responsibility for the Iranian positives, he said that he is leaving the team and will be returning to Bulgaria.


Yordan Ivanov, the coach of the Iranian weightlifting team at the time of the nine positives, said that it was not his decision to leave and he maintains that the lifters are not guilty. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

Santo Domingo - The IWF Congress included highlights of the coming major contests, presentations by some of the major barbell companies and some discussion of the IWF's progress in terms of improving communications and marketing, as well as comments on its ongoing fight against doping.

Uesaka barbell announced that it will be introducing a less expensive competition-grade barbell set, and Eleiko confirmed that it always have and always will use the unique Swedish steel that has always distinguished their superb bar.

IWF president Dr. Tamas Ajan described the new IWF offices and the increased capabilities they create for effective communication, as well as new marketing initiatives that count among their successes relationships with Adidas and five barbell companies. Helping to spread the sport, Dr. Ajan mentioned that the IWF has donated 216 barbell sets and 190 Adidas outfits to help support weightlifting worldwide.

Among the committee reports, Dr. Bernd Doerr, of the IWF Medical Committee, said that a new testing protocol now has the ability to detect some anabolic steroids eight or ten weeks back, and that this is what led to a rash of additional positive tests coming from this year's Senior Men's and Women's European Weightlifting Championships, and, separately, Dragomir Ciorolsan, a member of the IWF Executive Board, told IronMind that that as result of their positive tests, the Russian Weightlifting Federation had been fined US$250,000 and the Iranian Weightlifting Federation had been fined US$400,000 and that if the fines were not paid, the entire federation would be expelled from the sport. Cioroslan said that the massive fines might be misinterpreted as an indication that a federation could buy its way out of suspension, but in fact, the underlying concept was to raise the level of the fine beyond the ready capacity of an individual to pay it - forcing the federation to go to its government and thereby directly address the issue.

Teemu Ilvesniemi appears poised to make grip history in Finland as he will be attempting to get certified on the No. 3 Captains of Crush gripper next month - and by all indications, the man known in Finland as Mr. Grip Strength is set to succeed.

Thanks to the good work of Sakari Selkainaho of SS Power, interest in grip has been growing steadily in Finland, home to many outstanding strength athletes. This summer, Teemu Ilvesniemi demonstrated his exceptional grip strength in Jarvenpaa, when, under the watchful eye of referee Kimmo Kokko, he fully closed a No. 3 Captains of Crush gripper - he did this under extremely strict conditions and will now be going for his certification attempt, which requires that a brand new Captains of Crush gripper will be opened on the spot, which is done to eliminate any possible questions about the authenticity of this outstanding feat of strength. Based on everything Teemu Ilvesniemi has already accomplished, expectations of his success are running high.

For almost five years, Sakari Selkainaho and his company SS Power have worked hard to promote grip strength in Finland - organizing contests, recognizing accomplishments and making Captains of Crush grippers and other IronMind products available in his markets. Finnish strength athletes have won many honors at the highest levels, and with the work of Sakari and Kimmo, this trend has been increasing steadily in the area of grip strength. Showing how serious he is about encouraging the highest levels of accomplishment, Sakari has put up a one thousand euro prize for the first Finn to close the No. 4 Captains of Crush gripper at the Fitness Expo, the largest in Scandinavia, October 7- 8. A Rolling Thunder challenge will also be included. Please check www.voimaharjoittelu.net for additional details.

Many thanks to everyone who entered the contest describing what "It's not a problem . . . for Jon Pal" meant to him or her.


Hjalti Arnason, Douglas Edmunds and Mark Higgins (left to right) outside the Smarabio theater in Reykjavik, at the premiere of the Jon Pal Sigmarsson documentary by Hjalti Arnason and Steingrimur Thordarson. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

Our original intention was to pick one winning response, but we ended up choosing five: Congratulations to Brent Lukowich, Andrew Joakim, Tim Dolen, Ed Chung and Brandon Verret, and many thanks to everyone who was inspired enough to send in an answer, all of which touched on how this statement of self-belief inspired greater effort and greater results.

Deepest thanks, as well, to Hjalti Arnason for making this film, not to mention creating the opportunity for this contest.

Mark Philippi's state of the art training facility in Las Vegas is opening in a few weeks.


The Face of Strength: Mark Philippi pulls another winning deadlift at the 2004 Arnold Strongman. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

Known as one of the deadliest of all deadlifters in strongman and a big squatter, too, Mark Philippi is bringing his experience from powerlifting, strongman, and UNLV classrooms to help everyone interested in improved performance in sports, on the job and at play. Philippi's 9,000 square foot facility will have multiple training areas, so that whether you are interested in strongman, lifting, agility or cardiovascular fitness, there is an area dedicated to your speciality. And whether you're already at the top of your game or just starting off, you can find a happy home here: Philippi's background includes competing in seven World's Strongest Man contests and training high-profile professional athletes, and his new facility is open to people of all ages and experience/proficiency levels.

Hossein Rezazadeh just told IronMind that he will be competing in the upcoming World Weightlifting Championships, and he would be leaving for the Dominican Republic in about six hours.


Hossein Rezazadeh hits the bottom with 263 kg, on his way to breaking the world record in the clean and jerk at the 2002 World Weightlifting Championships (Warsaw, Poland). Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

Yesterday, the lifting world was rocked as reports flooded out of Iran that the Iranian weightlifting team had multiple positive drug tests.

Kouroush Bagheri, 2001 world champion in the 94-kg category, explained the situation to IronMind, saying that about two weeks ago, WADA came to a training camp that the Iranian weightlifting team was holding in Tehran, and then two or three days ago, the team received word that of the 11 lifters who were tested, nine were positive. Hossein Rezazadeh and Asghar Ebrahimi were the two who tested negative.

Bagheri said that the team was shocked by the results since it had been getting tested approximately every month by an internal group, and there had not been any problems. The lifters who tested positive and the team as whole face a potential ban if the results are upheld, but Bagheri said that Hossein Rezazadeh had received a letter from IWF President Tamas Ajan personally inviting him to compete in the upcoming World Weightlifting Championships - at that point, it was not yet certain whether or not Rezazadeh would be going to the Dominican Republic for this competition.

Then, speaking directly with Hossein Rezazadeh, IronMind received confirmation that the two-time Olympic champion would be competing, and he would be leaving for the airport shortly.

It had rained the night before the last day of the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man finals and the gray skies that morning looked ominous.


It came down to the last event: Phil Pfister won the stones and the title.

As the start time of the first event approached, the weather was improving, which is to say it was merely getting very hot with jungle-like humidity. The hope had been that the very last event, the Atlas Stones, would be run around noon, but for reasons dictated by the government, the start time was pushed back to 2:30 and by then, it was pouring rain. At about 3 p.m. the decision was made to postpone the event until 4 p.m., with the idea that the weather might clear up by then, but if not, the event would just have to go on anyway.

At least in some quarters, there was a feeling that rain favored Phil Pfister over Mariusz Pudzianowski in the Atlas Stones - a wet surface would reduce Mariusz's unquestionable advantage in foot speed, but the rain would also work against tacky, something that would hurt Mariusz more than Phil, especially given Phil's longer arms. As someone very close to the core said, "Somewhere, Phil is doing a rain dance right now."

It was still raining when the final event was getting underway, but when it came down to the final pair - Pudzianowski and Pfister - the pairing that would decide who would become the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man, and who would finish in second place, the rain let up.

Pudzianowski led Pfister through the stones, maybe by a second, but on the final stone, Pfister was closing the gap . . . would it be enough?

You can play 17 holes very well and the title might come down the final putt . . . sink it, which is what Pfister did, and you get the win, but miss it and you drop the title, which is what happened to Pudzianowski.

Emotions ran high after, with Bill Kazmaier summing up a common feeling: "The 24-year drought is over."

Somewhere, we hope that someone is telling Phil's mother-in-law what a smart lady she is.

Sanya, China - Phil Pfister won the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest moments ago.

Mariusz Pudzianowski was second and Don Pope was third.

Sanya, China - Even his staunchest supporters were concerned about Phil Pfister's prospects in the Car Walk, so when he took the checkered flag, Pfister fans weren't shy about how they felt.


Phil Pfister motors his way to his fourth event win in a row at the 2006 WSM contest. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

Coming into the Car Walk, Pfister was red hot, having won the last three events and in the process, he had cut Mariusz Pudzianowski's lead to 1-1/2 points. Still, Pudzianowski had blistered the course in this event during the qualifying round, while Pfister had suffered on it in his heat. Pfister was following Pudzianowski, which is normally considered an advantage in strongman, but in the case, you could wonder if following a quick time by Pudzianowski would undermine Pfister's confidence.

Meanwhile, Pfister had his own game plan and as an indication that he was thinking differently, at one point, he strolled up and down the course with a 140-kg barbell on his shoulders, as a warm up . . . something that caught everyone by surprise and got a lot of attention.

Pudzianowski produced a very fast time and a lot of people were reading Phil his last rites, but after setting up meticulously, he was off - first the nose of the car dipped ominously, but it quickly leveled out and Pfister was chewing up territory. He really had to work to hang on in the last meters, but he did, he won, and besides notching his fourth event win in a row, he now trailed Mariusz Pudzianowski by merely 1/2 point.

The 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest couldn't have a better finish: Pfister and Pudzianowski, one gets first, the other gets second and it all comes down to the Atlas Stones.

Going into the final event, here are the places and points:

1. Pudzianowski 51-1/2
2. Pfister 51
3. Pope 38
4. Felix 33-1/2
5. Dymek 29
6. Wenta 28-1/2
7. Mitt 27
8. Hollands 26
9. Vidzis 23
10. Toczek 19-1/2

Sanya, China - Mariusz Pudzianowski still leads the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest, but Phil Pfister has won the last three events, whittling Pudzianowski's lead to a mere 1-1/2 points, with two events left.


Up and over, charging for the next Fingal's Finger, Phil Pfister won the first event today, continuing the winning streak he started yesterday. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

Phil Pfister started the day 7-1/2 points behind Mariusz Pudzianowski, but when he won today's first event, the Fingal's Fingers, the tide was turning because that victory eliminated five of points that stood between him and the defending champion.

After the Fingers, here's how things stood:

1. Pudzianowski 33-1/2
2. Pfister 31
3. Pope 26
4. Felix 23-1/2
5. Mitt 23
6. Wenta 19-1/2
7. (tie) Hollands, Vidzis, Dymek 17
10. Toczek 9-1/2

The Bus Pull was next, and for many, it was a critical event: Pudzianowski was supremely confident that he would win, but Pfister fans knew that if their man beat Mariusz on the event, it would be a substantial psychological victory, not to mention the key to further closing the gap.

The course was slightly uphill, making it tough - so tough that when Jesse Marunde tested it, he could not budge the bus, so the start line was changed to put the back of the bus in a slightly less-downhill starting position. Pfister fully appreciated the significance of the event and gave it his all, and while he produced the best distance up to that point, he could not quite finish the course, so all he could do next was sit back and see what Mariusz could produce.

Pudzianowski came out of the blocks smoothly, stayed low and was accelerating, but he, too, hit the wall just short of the finish line - Pfister had beaten him by a mere 15 centimeters, but it might have been a mile because now he was just 1-1/2 points behind Pudzianowski going into the final day.


On the ropes: Mariusz Pudzianowski produced a sensational effort in the Bus Pull, but in the end, he couldn't match Phil Pfister's performance. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

Here are the places and points at the end of the second day of the finals:

1. Pudzianowski 42-1/2
2. Pfister 41
3. Pope 32
4. Felix 30-1/2
5. Mitt 27
6. Hollands 25
7. Dymek 22
8. Wenta 20-1/2
9. Vidzis 19
10. Toczek 12-1/2

Tomorrow, the last two events - the Car Walk and the Atlas Stones - will determine who will claim the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man title.

Sanya, China - After the first day of the finals at the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest, Mariusz Pudzianowski leads, but the day ended with Phil Pfister dominating the overhead stone lift, to move into third place, one-half point behind Mark Felix.


Phil Pfister nails the fourth and final stone, the only competitor to get past the second stone. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

There where ten competitors and four stones, and when the event was over, there were the guys who lifted either one stone or none, the guys who lifted two stones, and then there was Phil Pfister, who nailed the full set of four. With this impressive performance, Pfister moved into third place after three events.

Earlier, the power stairs had also proven to be a tough event that produced a lot of torn calluses and bloody hands.


Tarmo Mitt nips Mark Felix at the line, to win his heat in the power stairs and finish second overall in the event. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

Mariusz Pudzianowski won the event, with Tarmo Mitt coming in second and Don Pope finishing third.


Raivis Vidzis finished the power stairs with badly ripped calluses and a very bloodly hand, but he taped up and went on the next event. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

At the finish of first day of the finals, with three events under their belts, here are the overall positions and points:

1. Pudzianowski 28.5
2. Felix 21.5
3. Pfister 21
4. (tie) Pope and Mitt 17
6. Dymek 14
7. Vidzis 13
8. Wenta 11.5
9. Hollands 10
10. Toczek 8.5

Sanya, China - Mark Felix was the pre-event favorite for the car deadlift for reps, the first event in the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man finals, although there was a feeling that Mariusz Pudzianowski could get top honors.


Mark Felix on his way to 16 reps in the car deadlift, the first event in the 2006 WSM finals. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

As it turned out, both theories were right, as Felix and Pudzianowski tied for the lead with 16 reps. Dymek finished third, with 13 reps, and it appeared that he did just enough to push ahead of the three guys who did a dozen reps: Pfister, Vidzis, and Hollands. Mitt finished with 9 reps, followed by Wenta and Toczek, both of who did 8. Pope gave everyone a good scare, grabbing his chest after doing one rep - he will be examined closely, but the word from the field was that it might have been something as simple as indigestion.

Asked what he thought of Pfister's dozen reps, Bill Kazmaier gave the West Virginia fireman a huge compliment, saying, "He learned to deadlift overnight."

IFSA's Marcel Mostert said that the Grand Prix of Finland will be broadcast on Eurosport this Friday.

This is where "Andrus Murumets set his new world record in the farmer's walk and where Steve McDonald, the new American champion, got third place!"

The show is at 17:30 GMT, so tune in if you're a strongman fan.

Sanya, China - With the start of the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man finals less than twelve hours away, thoughts are already turning to the outcome and for some insight, IronMind turned to the High Council.


Don Pope looked impressive in the qualifiers and he's getting votes as the favorite on the overhead stone lift . . . the third event on the first day of the WSM finals. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

Defending champion Mariusz Pudzianowski is considered the clear favorite for this year's title and the High Council raised the possibility that there could be a Polish sweep, given how strong the entire Polish contingent looked in the qualifiers.

Day one action begins with the deadlift for reps, and Mark Felix is seen as the man with the best chance of bringing home the bacon in that event. Next, the power stairs seem to have Pudzianowski's name with the most likely claim on first place. And for the final event on the first day - overhead stones - Don Pope is getting the nods.

But it's all conjecture at this point and when the dust settles after the first day, all the pre-contest probabilities will go out the window. And as for how the competitors feel, Terry Hollands probably summed up a common sentiment, saying that he'd rested long enough, was starting to get bored and he "just wants to get started."

Place your bets now and stay tuned for the results.

Things don't always go according to plan, and Jesse Marunde is already eyeing next year's World's Strongest Man contest.

Coming into the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest, Jesse Marunde was a heavy favorite: personable, energetic and talented, Marunde is the picture of the dynamic, crowd-pleasing strongman competitor, and most of the speculation about his performance this year centered around exactly where on the podium he would end up. And going through the qualifiers, the plot seemed to be unfolding as expected . . . until the last day.

Marunde said, "I reinjured my hamstring on the keg toss and every event it just kept getting worse."

By the end of the qualifiers, Jesse Marunde had slipped to third place in group two, which meant he was cut from the finals, an outcome few would have entertained.

As the highest-scoring third place finisher from the qualifying round, Jesse Marunde is the first alternate for the finals.

Making no bones about his disappointment, Marunde said, "I'm pretty down in the dumps," but showing his stuff, don't think this is where he stopped.

"I tried hard," Marunde said, "but the best men won. They deserve to advance, having beaten me fairly. I'm super motivated to get home and begin preparing for next year. I will be back bigger and better than ever. You can bet the farm on it."

Four-time World's Strongest Man winner Magnus Ver Magnusson has been helping to open up strongman to disabled competitors and he is very enthusiastic about the possibilities for future contests.

Yesterday concluded the two-day IFSA competition for the disabled, and it featured two classes: wheelchair and standing. Events were modified to suit the competitors, Magnus Ver explained, but they were based on such strongman staples as stone loading, Hercules hold, hand over hand, and so forth.

"This gives the handicapped a chance to compete in strongman," Magnus Ver said, "instead of just doing the bench press" if they are interested in strength. "It's just another tribute to the disabled," he explained, saying that the competitions were the outgrowth of the work his friend Arnar Mar Jonsson has done for years, coaching the lifters at the Reykjavik sports center for the handicapped.

In the wheelchair division, Tahvo Jauhojarvi (Finland) won, followed by Danel Brosson (Sweden) and Trostein Solavason (Iceland). The top three in the standing division were: Kristberg Jonsson, Daniel Unnar Vignisson and Hordur Hirdarrsson (all from Iceland).

"We'd like more people to give this a try," said Magnus Ver, so if you're interested, mark you calendar for about this same time next year and keep your eye on www.itr.is for details.

The qualifying round of the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man finished today, with the top two competitors from each group going on to the finals.

Here are the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man finalists:

Group 1: Mariusz Pudzianowksi and Don Pope
Group 2: Terry Hollands and Raivis Vidzis
Group 3: Phil Pfister and Mark Felix
Group 4: Tarmo Mitt and Jarek Dymek
Group 5: Sebastian Wenta and Slawomir Toczek

Janne Virtanen, who won the title in 2000, was the big story at the MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest today, as he produced the fastest time in the Car Walk and was absolutely ripping through the course in the Farmer's Walk before what was initially guessed to be a cramp or a muscle tear in his leg forced his foot off the accelerator.


The classic Car Walk returned to the World's Strongest Man contest today and Janne Virtanen was the man with the F1 engine.

When the qualifying heats for the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest were announced, there was a strong feeling that the contest organizers had done an excellent job creating balanced, tough groups for the qualifiers, and after three days of battles, this feeling is being borne out - all the heats are proving to be very tough, and the struggles to make the finals will go down to the wire tomorrow.

The defending World's Strongest Man winner, Mariusz Pudzianowski, continues to lead group one and he remains the only competitor who is seen as very likely to make it to the finals, but the second slot from this group remains up for grabs: after today's action, Don Pope is in second place, but Arild Haugen is a very close third, only 1-1/2 points behind Pope.

Terry Hollands leads group two, with Jesse Marunde one point behind. Raivis Vidzis and Dave Ostlund are pushing hard, but this group only has one event tomorrow.

In group three, Janne Virtanen lit things up in the Car Walk and then came flying out of the blocks in the Farmer's Walk, before an assumed cramp or muscle tear dropped his speed. Just minutes ago, Janne said that it was a small muscle tear in his calf and he is expected to start tomorrow. Phil Pfister is tied for first place in this group.

Tarmo Mitt leads group four, with Jarek Dymek in second, but Kevin Nee, Dominic Filiou and Boris Haraldsson are fighting to move up, and since this group has two events tomorrow, a lot of scoring opportunities remain.

The top positions in group five are unchanged from yesterday, with Sebastian Wenta leading and Slawomir Toczek in second place. Josh Thigpen is in third place, followed by Odd Haugen and then Magnus Samuelsson, whose back has severely limited his ability to compete up to par.

Today's Car Walk was described as very challenging, with the majority of the competitors unable to complete the full distance on the course - highlighting just how impressive Janne Virtanen's performance was.


No armchair experts, Jouko Ahola, Svend Karlsen and Bill Kazmaier (left to right) have won six World's Strongest Man titles in total - now, they work designing events and equipment, refereeing and calling the action for WSM . . . Talk about world's strongest backup . . . .

Showing the confidence you would expect from the defending WSM champion, Mariusz Pudzianowski only needed 12 reps to win the deadlift in his heat today, so why did he do 17?

"Because I can," he said, not wanting to give up any psychological ground since Mark Felix had already knocked off 17 reps in group three. Mariusz might have equalled Mark on reps, but from the look of things, while Mark had plenty of gas left in the tank, Mariusz might have already gone the distance.

Phil Pfister's world record time in the Fingal's Fingers was reported as 32.44 and Sebastian Wenta clocked an impressive 36.30 followed by Jesse Marunde's 37.87 seconds. In group four, Jarek Dymek continues to rally and he won the deadlift in his heat today, group four, by pulling 14 reps.

Magnus Samuelsson "is struggling with his back," and did not begin the deadlift and got through Fingal's Fingers in 40.23 seconds, but as a veteran competitor said, "When you have an injury, you lose the fire to compete." Darren Sadler, who is said to weigh about 110 kg and was described as being "the shortest guy here," is said to be producing "unbelievable performances for a guy his size."

The weather was a little cooler today . . . Tomorrow brings the third day of the qualifying round at the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man competition, so stay tuned.

In another day when the red hot performances matched the blistering temperatures, Phil Pfister, Mariusz Pudzianowski and Mark Felix led the way.


Mariusz Pudzianowski banged out 17 reps in the car deadlift today at the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest.

None of these results are official, but headlining today's performances, Phil Pfister set a new world record in the Fingal's Fingers, with a time reported at 32 seconds. This moved Mr. Pfister to second place overall in the group three, which is still led by Janne Virtanen - who continues to look impressive. Mariusz Pudzianowski banged out 17 reps in the car deadlift to maintain his lead in group one, and the young phenom Arild Haugen is in second place. Haugen, who is competing in his first World's Strongest Man contest, is off to a tremendous start. Jesse Marunde, with a great performance on the Fingal's Fingers, is in first place in group two, followed by Terry Hollands. The top two positions in group five remain unchanged from yesterday, with Sebastian Wenta in first place and Slawomir Toczek in second place.


Mark Felix also knocked off an impressive 17 reps in the car deadlift today - not feeling that this was his limit, Felix reportedly said that he could have done the same number of reps with twice the weight!

If your space exploration program is looking for an alternative launching system, consider the services of Arild Haugen, who put on a dazzling performance at the opening day of the qualifying round of the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest today.


Arild Haugen launches another barrel at World's Strongest Man today - his phenomenal performance on this event left even World's Strongest Man veterans at a near loss for words.

This event tested the ability to generate explosive power repetitively as each competitor had 90 seconds to try to throw a series of ten barrels over a 4-1/2 meter high wall. Most competitors got from zero to about half the barrels, but Arild Haugen winged them all in a blazing time of 41 seconds.


Tell it goodbye - Arild Haugen outperforms some ICBM systems.

A source close to the center of things described the opening of the qualifying round of the 2006 WSM contest as being "really a good day . . . great results," and, indeed, with the action only just beginning, the most famous strongman contest on the planet has already produced some terrificly dramatic moments.

Arild Haugen's performance on the barrels today has left people agog - he hurled all ten barrels over the 4-1/2 meter wall in approximately 41 seconds and to understand why his performance was described as "phenomenal" and left a seasoned observer of the sport saying, "I've never seen such explosiveness in my life," consider that 90 seconds are alloted for this event and that Arild beat even Mariusz Pudzianowski by something like six or seven seconds, we are told. Most competitors did not even succeed with all ten barrels.

Arild Haugen was reportedly so excited that he asked Svend Karlsen to slap him to calm him down, and Svend - who is extremely proud of his young protege - obliged him, which is something local orthodontists must have been watching quite eagerly.

Both Terry Hollands and Janne Virtanen were described as dazzling in the carry and drag.

In a huge disappointment, Magnus Samuelsson, who has been plagued by back problems recently, collapsed in the farmer's walk, as his leg buckled, and there is a fear that he might have "completely done a disk," not an auspicious situation given that Magnus faces the deadlift for reps tomorrow.

Jarek Dymek was reportedly sick all last night, but he made it about five meters in the cannonball carry and then collapsed. Nearly rising from the dead, Dymek rebounded later and nailed all ten barrels, putting him "back into the fray."

The action continues tomorrow, so stay tuned.

Today was the first day of the qualifying round at the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest in Sanya, China, and while it was hot for everyone, some guys had a better day than others.

Some groups had two events today while others had one, and with even world travelers commenting on how extremely hot it is at the competition site, the weather could well end up playing a part in this year's contest - any way you slice it, World's Strongest Man requires good stamina and survival skills, so this year's heat seems perfectly suited to the situation.

Although these are unofficial, here are the top standings at the end of the first day of qualifiers.

Mariusz Pudzianowski leads group one, followed by a three-way tie for second place: Arild Haugen, Don Pope and Mohammad Gharei. Jesse Marunde is the leader in group two, with Terry Hollands in second place. Group three is led by Janne Virtanen, with Darren Sadler in second place. Tarmo Mitt is the leader in group four, with Dominic Filiou and Boris Haraldsson tied for second place. In group five, Sebastian Wenta is in first place, and Slawomir Toczek is in second place.

The events are said to be extremely well designed and the contest is reported to be off to a silky-smooth start; the local hosts are winning continual praise for their efforts in supporting what is being described as an exceptional World's Strongest Man contest.

Rumor has it that Mariusz Pudzianowski hoisted the heaviest stone for the overhead lift - easily - in training, at WSM.

In the final day of training before the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest begins, Pudzianowski "grabbed up the 135-kg stone and pressed it overhead like it was a toy . . ." a WSM insider told IronMind. This equals the world record for this lift, so it's not surprising to hear that "Mariusz looks very strong."

The defending MET-Rx World's Strongest Man winner isn't the only competitor drawing positive comments, though, as Phil Pfister was described as "looking enormous and in fantastic shape. Both Janne Virtanen and Magnus Samuelsson look great . . . Terry Hollands appears to have lost about 30 kg bodyweight and looks in great shape . . . and Jesse Marunde has stuck on at least 30 pounds since his lean and mean look at Mohegan [WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix]."

Consider the elements: a superhero strongman, a country where reality takes on mythical proportions, an Oscar-level filmmaker, and a passionate producer who understands the pieces and can assemble them in a way that creates a whole even larger than all the mighty parts.


"It's not a problem for Jon Pall" - tell us why Jon Pall's battle cry lights your fire and you might win this original movie poster. Poster and photo courtesy of Hjalti Arnason.

Jon Pall Sigmarrson is the strongman, Iceland is his country, Steingrimur Thordarsson is the filmmaker, and Hjalti Arnason is the producer who put together the pieces of the puzzle, and the result of his efforts, the Jon Pall documentary, is making major waves.

After a sweeping premiere last week in Reykjavik, attended by the Icelandic president Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, and strength world notables from as far away as the UK and California, things have only been growing.

Over the weekend, the Jon Pall film doubled the attendance record of the previous top-drawing Icelandic documentary and it beat every Hollywood movie at the box office in Iceland . . . every single one of them. The film has already won praise from the critics as well, and for all of its immediate success, the best seems yet to come.

Thanks to Hjalti Arnason's generosity, IronMind is extremely privileged to have a small quantity of the original movie posters, and over the coming days, we will send them out as awards . . . We'll ask a question, set a time limit, and the best answer in that time wins the poster - simple as that, with no fine print on who is eligible and who is not.

"It's not a problem for Jon Pall" - the battle cry and catch phrase of Jon Pall Sigmarsson - rhymes in Icelandic and as Hjalti Arnason explained, it became part of Icelandic culture . . . "It was burned into the heart of the nation," Arnason said.

Tell us what Jon Pall's catch phrase means to you and why it is so empowering. Answers are limited to 25 or fewer words; email your answer to sales@ironmind.com by midnight tonight (Pacific time, GMT-8). We will choose the winner and send him or her a Jon Pall movie poster with our compliments.

"It's not a problem for Jon Pall."

He's a two-time World's Strongest Man winner, an ace equipment and event designer, but even more than that, Jouko Ahola is one of the most respected names in the strongman field, so when he calls this year's MET-Rx World's Strongest Man cobtest "the best ever," it's time to listen up.


Jouko Ahola (left), shown with Odd Haugen, is heaping praise on the field for this year's WSM contest. "Mr. Haugen was just perfect" during the practice session using the actual contest equipment, Ahola said. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

"Strongman has never seen anything like this before," Ahola said, describing the opening ceremony with "about 600 guests . . . so many Chinese athletes and dancers. You can't imagine what it was like."

And as for the 2006 WSM contest, Ahola said that based on what he has seen, "this is the best competition ever."

"The US guys look great," Ahola told IronMind, "especially Pfister."

Pfister, an honest to goodness member of the Charleston, West Virginia Fire Department and a MILO coverguy, is on everyone's short list in this year's contest, but Ahola just raised the ante another level. "Pfister has a chance to compete against Mariusz," Ahola said. While making it clear that anything can happen, Ahola tagged Pfister as the man most likely to dethrone the defending champion, Mariusz Pudzianowski, but he also sang he praises of the "old guys," Janne Virtanen and Magnus Samuelsson.

It's hot, hot, hot in Sanya, Ahola told IronMind, and humid, too. Ahola said it's 50 degrees Celsius in the sun, which converts to a sizzling 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Even in the shade, Ahola said, it's about 35 - 40 degrees Celsius (95 - 104 degrees Fahrenheit). "That could be a factor," Ahola said.

All the athletes have been testing the event equipment, Ahola said, so the stage is set for the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest - pick your favorite and get ready to cheer.

With a huge, dramatic opening ceremony kicking off the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest, and all competitors safe and sound in Sanya, China the sparks are ready to fly when the qualifying heats begin in two days.


Jesse Marunde, a favorite in this year's MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest, is coming in heavy, but also with good speed and endurance. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

One of the favorites for a podium position this year is the 2005 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man runner-up Jesse Marunde.

Marunde, who was featured on billboards in China during last year's contest, said that he has been training on the equipment that will be used in his qualifying heat. "I am supremely confident of my conditioning," Marunde said, but he added, "I can't make any predictions, though, because the field is so strong."

Marunde said, "I am heavy . . . 320 . . . and quite fast and have good wind," so by all preliminary indications, Jesse Marunde is ready to rumble.

Tomorrow at 3 pm, Fox Sports will broadcast the World's Strongest Man Super Series Moscow Grand Prix.

Making his transition from competitor to commentator, World's Strongest Man winner Svend Karlsen assisted Colin Bryce in calling the action as competitors such as Mariusz Pudzianowski, Elbrus Nigmatullin, Jessin Paulin, Don Pope and Boris Haraldsson fought it out in this contest, with the top finishers going on to the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest.

Please check local listings to confirm program times in your area.

Reykjavik - Hjalti Arnason's film on Jon Pall Sigmarsson was described as "brilliant" at the packed premiere last night, and it's a movie that might do for strongman what Pumping Iron did for bodybuilding.


Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson (left) is greeted by Hjalti Arnason at last night's premiere of the Jon Pall Sigmarsson film in Reykjavik. President Grimsson told IronMind that he had seen Jon Pall "many times," and that when he travels abroad, he is often asked about the Icelandic superstar. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

Dr. Douglas Edmunds praised Hjalti Arnason's efforts and said, "Hjalti keeps the Viking tradition alive," and as an indication of the film's impact in Iceland, it was said that no film in the history of the country has received so much media attention - it is predicted that the Jon Pall movie will break all Icelandic box office records.

Many in the audience at the packed Smarabio theater in Reykjavik were moved to tears as they watched the film which included contest clips and appearances from such huge names and personalities in the sport as Bill Kazmaier.

Pretty much hitting the nail on the head, Moira Edmunds, who was shown visiting Jon Pall's grave in one of the film's many memorable moments, summed it by saying, "It was a wonderful celebration of a wonderful human being."

Reykjavik - The premiere of Hjalti Arnason's film on Jon Pall Sigmarsson is tonight and the guests will include the president of Iceland, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson.

Arnason said that the premiere had originally been planned for 400, but due to the overwhelming interest,700 guests will be attending.

If you're quick, you can catch the WSMSS Mohegan Sun Grand Prix on Fox Sports this afternoon.

We have received word that this strongman contest will be televised today at 3:00 pm Pacific Time, but please check your local listings to confirm the time in your area. On a related note, we believe that the WSMSS Moscow Grand Prix is set to air next week, and the details will be posted as soon as IronMind receives them.

Ok, we understand - you know that Bill Crawford's account of his trip to Iceland for a personal meeting with the legendary Husafell stone is in the September issue of MILO, but your copy hasn't arrived yet or you simply want more.

Here you go: There is a link on the IronMind homepage (www.ironmind.com) for a video clip of Dr. Crawford's match-up with this most famous stone . . . we don't recommend this clip for the fainthearted and we have to warn you that even if you're inclined to avoid struggling to lift heavy objects, Dr. Crawford's performance might change all of that.

Grippers and push-ups?! IronMind regulars know Brad Johnson as the guy who has taken bodyweight training into previously uncharted waters - Brad's performance levels are eye popping and the creativity he brings to this form of training is extraordinary.

Brad's latest column was just posted, so if you want to see how grippers and push-ups can be combined for some dramatic results, be sure to read what Brad Johnson has to say. Follow the Extreme Bodyweight Training link from the IronMind homepage, or click here:

http://www.ironmind.com/ironcms/export/IronMind/ExtremePages/extremepage.html

Although the rumored drug-testing results from the 2006 European Weightlifting Championships were not yet official, the IWF Secretariat told IronMind that there had been positives on A samples, but because the precisely-controlled drug testing process had not yet been completed, it was premature to announce the names of the athletes or countries involved. Then, Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation president Andon Nikolov was quoted describing a positive result involving his country and also Russia.

An official announcement by the IWF is expected imminently, most likely at the EWF Executive Board meeting on Thursday, but the same names keep surfacing and are now being discussed openly by high-level European Weightliftign Federation officials and at yesterday's EWF Congress, a statement was made about the additional positives.

IronMind has been told is that "The reason why so many lifters have tested positive is because of the new testing technology that can find anabolics used up to ten weeks ago. The testing also take longer time than before; that's why this is announced now."

If the string of alleged positives holds up, some will be quick to bludgeon weightlifting with the results, but others with a bit more perspective will understand that if, in fact, a new test has been developed that goes back ten weeks, weightlifting will have once again shown its seriousness in terms of conducting a clean sport, and then the positives can be taken as proof that the testing program is working.

Many had predicted a close battle between Jessen Paulin and Dominic Filiou for the Canada's Strongest Man title, but when the dust settled, it was all Jessen Paulin.

The close battle was for second, third and fourth place, Hugo Girard explained, with just three points separating those places. Here are the top four:

1. Jessen Paulin 94.5 points
2. Dominic Filiou 79.5
3. Louis-Philippe Jean 77.5
4. Christian Savoie 76.5

Hugo Girard, who organized the contest said, "It was a good show . . . the weather was not so good, but we still had about 5,000 spectators." And singing the praises of young Louis-Philippe Jean, Girard said, "Give him two or three years and he will be at least Canada's Strongest Man - that's for sure. He has all the tools."

Hugo Girard, himself, won high praise from Jesse Snadden, who said, "Hugo's looking in good shape despite the injury and I think we will see another amazing comeback from the big man. Hugo's my good mentor and without him, the sport wouldn't be as great as it is in Canada."

And guess who was the only competitor to turn the Braemar Challenge Caber this past weekend?

Linda Edmunds told IronMind, "Gregor [Edmunds] was the only athlete to toss the famous Braemar Challenge Caber at the weekend - which according to the Games Secretary, Bill Meston,�had been weighted up to original standard.

When he was presented to the Queen for the trophy, she remarked, 'I believe you are not the first member of your family to win this event.' Needless to say D. Edmunds is glowing with pride.

This win makes Douglas and�Gregor the only father and son ever to win this prestegious event."

Roughly 75 years ago, George Jowett dubbed Quebec "the cradle of strong men," a description that is as true today as it was then.

Reporting on an exhibition held as part of the Canada's Strongest Man contest yesterday, Jesse Snadden told IronMind, quite casually, "A few athletes deadlifted the Inch," a big enough lift to warrant headlines in many quarters. But wait, what else took place?

"Hugo Girard, despite his recovering knee injury managed to press the Inch for 10 strict reps and work up to 260 pounds on the Rolling Thunder," said Snadden. "Young Louis-Philippe Jean managed to pull 250 pounds on the Rolling Thunder and he is only 22 years old. Louis-Philippe has impressed many of us this year by one hand cleaning and strict pressing the Inch after quite a few contests in Quebec."

The Canada's Strongest Man contest continues today.

Ken Brown's name has been synonymous with the Silver Dollar Deadlift world record and last night, as part of the Canada's Strongest Man festivities, Ken took a shot at pushing his world record up another notch.

Sam Dube, Ph.D. filed this report:

Later on that evening at the Casino du Lac-Leamy, "Gentleman" Ken Brown attempted to break his own World Record of 1,111 lbs. in the Silver Dollar Deadlift.

In front of a large crowd, the strongman competitors, and the media in the bustling lobby, with a running commentary supplied in both French and English by Hugo Girard and Sam Dub� respectively, Ken performed successive warmups with 521 pounds, 751 pounds, and 901 pounds. under the auspices of international referee Marc Lauzon. It was apparent however, that he lost his balance backward a little during the last warmup, and although successful with the weight, it raised concerns about the shifting of the barbell plates inside the boxes. After the plates were realigned symmetrically, the total weight was raised to an all-time World Record poundage of 1,121 pounds.

Ken set up carefully and then exploded. Unfortunately, literally at lockout, Ken again lost his balance backward. Amidst deafening cheers from the crowd, the legendary American strongman and powerlifter struggled mightily for what seemed like an eternity to fight not only for the lockout, but to prevent from falling backward. Unfortunately, Ken did fall backwards and lost the lift. Mercifully he was not injured. After several minutes of rest, he made a second attempt, but it was not to be on this day. The first effort took far too much out of him.

It is certain that Ken Brown will once again break the World Record again some day.

Many thanks to ace Canadian strongman television commentator Sam Dube, Ph.D. for sending a report on the 2006 Canada's Strongest Man contest.

Canada's Strongest Man - Day One as reported by Sam Dube, Ph.D.

The 2006 Canada's Strongest Man is underway during the Labour Day long weekend here in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. Also known as the 8th Annual Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Strongman Invitational, the competition is one of the highlights of the Festival, which attracts over 100,000 attendees. Previous incarnations of the world class Strongman Invitational have included such illustrious competitors as Americans Whit Baskin, Ken Brown, Walt Gogola, the late Johnny Perry, Finland's Tomi Lotta, and Ireland's Glenn Ross. We are also lucky enough to have Ken Brown with us once again, lending a helping hand in addition to attempting a New World Record in the Silver Dollar Deadlift during the weekend.

With six-time Canadian Champion and 2002 World Champion Hugo Girard once again on the injured list, the favorite to take the title is last year's winner, Jessen "The Myth" Paulin.

The current standings after four events are as follows:

1. Jessen Paulin 45
2. Dominic Filiou 41
3. Christian Savoie 38
4. Louis-Phillippe Jean 34
5. Steve Bourgeois 27
6. Scotty Cummine 27
7. Chris Colonval 24
8. Alan Block 22
9. Jon Schooten 17
10. Joe Montgomery 15
11. Grant Connors 13
12. Sean Bates 6

By winning his fifth Heavy Events World Championships, Ryan Vierra has joined an exclusive club today.


It came down to the 28-pound weight for distance, as Ryan Vierra and Dave Barron were tied going into this . . . the final event of the 2006 Heavy Events World Championships. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

Jim McGoldrick and Matt Sandford had won five Highland Games Heavy Events World Championships titles, and now Ryan Vierra added his mark.

This year's contest drew buckets of praise for the depth and breadth of the competitors and bodes well for the future of the sport, and once again the mighty efforts of San Francisco's Caledonian Club and the Alameda County Fairgrounds are to be praised.

Here are the final places and points:

1. Ryan Vierra 21 points
2. Dave Barron 28
3. Sean Betz 29
4. Kyrylo Chuprynin 37
5. David Brown 39
6. Harrison Bailey III 40
7. Larry Brock 49
8. Joel Thiessen 51
9. Patrick Hellier 66

Pleasanton - Coming into the last event tied, Ryan Vierra and Dave Barron had to let it all hang out in the 28-pound weight for distance.

Vierra ended up winning the event, which gave him his fifth Highland Games Heavy Events World Championships title.

Pleasanton, California - At the end of the first day of competition, Dave Barron leads the Heavy Events World Championships.


Dave Barron's terrific first day at the Heavy Events World Championships included a new World Championships record in the 56-pound weight for distance. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

The personable Highland Games heavy had a great day today - following his win in the light hammer, the day's second event, Dave Barron set a new World Championships record in the 56-pound weight for distance.

Barron finished the day with 10 points, and the defending world champion, Ryan Vierra, was next, at 16 points. Dave Brown is in third place, at 17 points, Sean Betz is in fourth, at 18 points, and Kyrylo Chuprynin, is in fifth, also at 18 points.

Vierra kidded the laid back Dave Barron, saying, "You better bring your A-game tomorrow."

There had been hopes of a +18-foot throw in the (standing) weight for height, and while he missed at 18' 6" Kyrylo Chuprynin did deliver a very impressive 17' 6" throw.

IronMind has just been alerted to a change in the qualifying heats at this year's MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest.

The change from what was initially reported is that Boris Haraldsson (Iceland) is Group 4 and Mohammad Gharei (Iran) is in Group 1. These are official, but once again, remember that they are still subject to change.

The updated qualifying heats are as follows:

Group 1: Arild Haugen (Norway), Jessin Paulin (Canada), Don Pope (USA), Mariusz Pudzianowski (Poland), Mohammad Gharaei (Iran),

Group 2: Terry Hollands (UK), Jesse Marunde (USA), Dave Ostlund (USA), Raivis Vidzis (Latvia), TBD (China)

Group 3: Mark Felix (Grenada), Elbrus Nigmatullin (Russia), Phil Pfister (USA), Darren Sadler (UK), Janne Virtanen (Finland)

Group 4: Jarek Dymek (Poland), Boris Haraldsson (Iceland), Dominic Filiou (Canada), Tarmo Mitt (Estonia), Kevin Nee (USA)

Group 5: Magnus Samuelsson (Sweden), Josh Thigpen (USA), Slawomir Toczek (Poland), Sebastian Wenta (Poland), TBD (Norway).

Reserves: Odd Haugen (Norway), Karl Gillingham (USA)

"They've done a good job," 2001 World's Strongest Man Svend Karlsen said, as he sized up the qualifying heats for this year's competition.


Svend "Viking Power" Karlsen gets ready to launch the Safe Lift at the 2004 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest. Read on if want to hear Svend's assessment of the qualifying heats for WSM 2006. Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. photo.

The challenge is to keep the qualifying heats balanced and this is exactly what The Viking was applauding.

"They've done a good job dividing up the top competitors, spreading out the favorites," Karlsen told IronMind, although he was quick to add that "someone can look good on paper, but once the competition begins, everything can change."

Running through the qualifying groups, Karlsen told IronMind that Group 1, since it contains three-time World's Strongest Man winner Mariusz Pudzianowski, is unlike the others: "Instead of five guys fighting for two spots," said Karlsen, "it is four guys fighting for one spot," since he assumes that Mariusz will go on.

In Group 2, Karlsen said that he sees Terry Hollands and Jesse Marunde as the favorites to make the finals, and he noted how impressive Terry Hollands has looked lately; Jesse Marunde finished second in the 2005 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest, and he is on everyone's short list for a top place this year.

Group three - which comprises Mark Felix, Elbrus Nigmatullin, Phil Pfister, Darren Sadler and Janne Virtanen - earned a huge compliment from Karlsen, because he said, "This is a very, very tough group - all of these are very tough guys."

Jarek Dymek, Tarmo Mitt and Kevin Nee are Karlsen's pick for the guys most likely to be duking it out in Group 4; and in Group 5, Karlsen sees Magnus Samuelsson claiming one of the slots for the finals and the other one going to either Slawomir Toczek or Sebastian Wenta.

Karlsen, who retired from competition earlier this year, will coaching be Arild "I'm not Odd's son" Haugen, and he said that he is looking forward to being able to relax and enjoy the competition. Showing his good sense of humor, Karlsen added, "It's the first time at World's Strongest Man that I have a 100% chance of staying to the end."

TWI has just released the official information on the heats for the 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest, so review the start list and place your bets.

Group 1: Boris Haraldsson (Iceland), Arild Haugen (Norway), Jessin Paulin (Canada), Don Pope (USA), Mariusz Pudzianowski (Poland)

Group 2: Terry Hollands (UK), Jesse Marunde (USA), Dave Ostlund (USA), Raivis Vidzis (Latvia), TBD (China)

Group 3: Mark Felix (Grenada), Elbrus Nigmatullin (Russia), Phil Pfister (USA), Darren Sadler (UK), Janne Virtanen (Finland)

Group 4: Jarek Dymek (Poland), Dominic Filiou (Canada), Mohammad Gharaei (Iran), Tarmo Mitt (Estonia), Kevin Nee (USA)

Group 5: Magnus Samuelsson (Sweden), Josh Thigpen (USA), Slawomir Toczek (Poland), Sebastian Wenta (Poland), TBD (Norway).

Reserves: Odd Haugen (Norway), Karl Gillingham (USA)

As ever, it should be remembered that these groups are subject to change.

The 2006 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest will be in Sanya, China and the filming schedule calls for the qualification rounds to run September 14 - 17, with the top two competitors from each heat advancing to the finals, which are scheduled to run September 21 - 23.

The official World's Strongest Man website (http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/wsm/index.html) contains background information such as athlete profiles as well as details on this year's contest.

It's not a new action-hero series, but if you have been following John Brookfield's Power Ropes/Battling Ropes training system, you might find it just as exciting.

Masters of Velocity is the latest addition to the web site for this training system, John told IronMind, and while it will cater to a range of specific training interests, the focus is on strength and conditioning for improved performance - and, yes, grip training will be a discussion topic.

This forum has just started, so stop by and join the discussions: http://www.powerropes.com/