Just in, here's the official start list for the 2009 All-American Strongman Challenge, scheduled for January 24 - 25 at the FitExpo.


Brian Shaw, shown testing the Plane Pull at the 2008 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest, is expected to have a huge 2009, so plan to be on hand when Brian Shaw and other top strongman competitors kick off next year's strongman season at the All-American Strongman Challenge. IronMind® | Randall J. Strossen photo.

According to the prepared statement received by IronMind®, "The All-American Strongman Challenge will determine the American athletes to compete in the 2009 World's Strongest Man Super Series.  The top six athletes will receive All-American Team Honors and the top athletes will get an invite to one of the Grand Prix stops on the 2009 WSM Super Series, which is one step from qualifying for the 2009 World's Strongest Man."

Also on the line is $10,000 in cash, Haugen told IronMind® today, and although nothing has been announced officially, there is a possibility that the winner of this contest could be invited to compete in the 2009 Arnold Strongman contest.

Competing in this contest is by invitation only, and here's the official list of who has been invited and who has confirmed that they will be competing:

Derek Poundstone
Travis Ortmayer
David Ostlund
Brian Shaw
Kevin Nee
Jason Bergmann
Pete Konradt
Karl Gillingham
Marshall White
Nick Best
Mark Philippi
Jason Kristal

Alternates: Ryan Bakke, John Conner, Grant Higa, Jim Glassmann, Carl Foemmel

In response to a comment about the impressive quality of this field, Haugen told IronMind®, "I got the best."

The FitExpo is scheduled for January 24 - 25, so make your plans to attend. For full event details, please check the official FitExpo website.