2015 WSM thread

[kmc06005]

Yeah, but see, from my understanding, Thor didn't even use a squat suit during the squats while everybody else did (pretty sure I recall one of the announcers mentioning this). So it's not really an apples to apples thing, at least on the squats. The DL and Log though makes sense if he is putting that much over him in the competitions (I'm assuming there isn't really a difference in gear there).

Thanks for the post. Yeah, from what I have seen, it seems that Thor/Shaw are the best at the athletic events. It's a shame that it's not more mainstream over here.

Do you know 100% of Shaw used a squat suit? A lot of guys chose not to use one for the rep squats because it makes a lot of things more difficult. Z for example didn't have one on in his heat a couple days ago.

The bottom line is, if it was going to be beneficial he would have done it. Losing by a half point and then saying, "well I didn't wear a squat suit" is ridiculous.

Anyway Thor is incredible and will be WSM someday, maybe multiple times, but he will need to bring up his pulls and presses like Shaw did top get there most likely.

[Trolltongue]

Yeah, I've got to go with kmc on this one. Let's not forget that Thor actually fainted during the squat last time. My guess is that having never been a powerlifter and Strongman not being known for including lots of squats he simply hasn't(or hadn't) practiced enough with a suit to feel that it would benefit him on a rep-out, and it honestly probably doesn't add very much even to people experienced with it on those kind of events.

they have to hit the safeties in order to count the rep ? is it at the same height for everyone ?

They have to hit the safeties and they are adjusted for each competitor but I don't know if they do some sort of measuring beforehand or just base it on how tall they are.

[arn710]

Yeah, but see, from my understanding, Thor didn't even use a squat suit during the squats while everybody else did (pretty sure I recall one of the announcers mentioning this).

That just makes him a dope. Most strongman events are run what ya brung and hope you brought enough

[Trolltongue]

If I'm thinking this correctly then it looks like Mark Felix is running away with his group, apparently he was 1st in deadlift, 2nd in circus barbell, 1st in basque circle/conan's wheel and I think he was 2nd in loading race as well. Glad to see the old man doing well and it would be pretty amazing to see him in the finals at 49 years of age.

[Ownster8932]

Do you know 100% of Shaw used a squat suit? A lot of guys chose not to use one for the rep squats because it makes a lot of things more difficult. Z for example didn't have one on in his heat a couple days ago.

The bottom line is, if it was going to be beneficial he would have done it. Losing by a half point and then saying, "well I didn't wear a squat suit" is ridiculous.

Anyway Thor is incredible and will be WSM someday, maybe multiple times, but he will need to bring up his pulls and presses like Shaw did top get there most likely.

The only reason I even mentioned or realized people using or not using the squat suits was because the commentators themselves mentioned that he was the only one who did not. So it wasn't me just making an assumption on my own. So to answer your question, no, I can't say 100% (I guess I'd have to go back to watch the tape to try and see). I was relying the commentators for that.

Z also got like 9 reps I think a couple of days ago and it was 700 lbs whereas last year he got 15 (I think) with 725 lbs. Maybe you could contribute that to sandbagging since it isn't the Finals, I'm not sure.

He didn't say that he lost because of that (at least I didn't see him saying that anywhere)- I was simply saying that it's an obvious area where there could be a substantial difference that could have changed the results. Of course, I guess it doesn't matter, because he didn't use one and so it didn't. But discussing that he lost by half a point and lost badly in an event where he did not (according to the commentators) use the same advantageous gear as everybody else is valid as to defending why you (in this case me) feel that he isn't so much weaker or whatever.

Yeah, I've got to go with kmc on this one. Let's not forget that Thor actually fainted during the squat last time. My guess is that having never been a powerlifter and Strongman not being known for including lots of squats he simply hasn't(or hadn't) practiced enough with a suit to feel that it would benefit him on a rep-out, and it honestly probably doesn't add very much even to people experienced with it on those kind of events.

They have to hit the safeties and they are adjusted for each competitor but I don't know if they do some sort of measuring beforehand or just base it on how tall they are.

I mean I just don't see how the suit wouldn't make a difference. I get what you're saying about getting used to it and learning to lift with a suit. But if the other competitors were trained for it, then I'd imagine it would make a pretty big difference (I mean that's why they make the suits in the first place, isn't it?) for them.

That just makes him a dope. Most strongman events are run what ya brung and hope you brought enough

Agreed. It's definitely perplexing as to why he wouldn't want to use/learn the equipment that others are using to be on an equal playing field, assuming that was the case.

[arn710]

Results

Credit: http://startingstrongman.com/2015/04...-2015-results/

Source: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...tion=ufi#gid=0

[CROMAGS1985]

[CROMAGS1985]

Dimitar easy...



Thor not so much

[arn710]

That Conan's wheel is probably one of the worst events that has ever existed

Its like a yoke walk but hard as hell to carry and its right on your diaphragm so you can't even breathe

[lhprop1]

Has anybody seen any of these guys in person? It's a bit ridiculous to think of guys like Shaw/Thor who are 6'8+ and 400+ lbs, lol

I first met Brian in 2007 or 2008. Back then, he was 'only' around 370 but still ridiculously huge. When I'd walk into public places with him, you could hear a collective gasp from everyone in the establishment as they caught sight of this giant of a man.

I've had the opportunity to train with him a handful of times since then and he never ceases to amaze me.

[kmc06005]

If I'm thinking this correctly then it looks like Mark Felix is running away with his group, apparently he was 1st in deadlift, 2nd in circus barbell, 1st in basque circle/conan's wheel and I think he was 2nd in loading race as well. Glad to see the old man doing well and it would be pretty amazing to see him in the finals at 49 years of age.

I've always been a Mark Felix fan. He just seems like a super cool guy, and a gamer.

The only reason I even mentioned or realized people using or not using the squat suits was because the commentators themselves mentioned that he was the only one who did not. So it wasn't me just making an assumption on my own. So to answer your question, no, I can't say 100% (I guess I'd have to go back to watch the tape to try and see). I was relying the commentators for that.

Right on, I'm sure if they said it then it's probably true. I was just curious what your source was. I imagine most of the suits they wear for high reps are pretty loose, so I can't see them adding more than a couple reps. It's not really safe to say that Thor would've gotten 12+ or whatever just by adding a suit.

Z also got like 9 reps I think a couple of days ago and it was 700 lbs whereas last year he got 15 (I think) with 725 lbs. Maybe you could contribute that to sandbagging since it isn't the Finals, I'm not sure.

Z didn't even need the 9 he got. Veterans like him likely don't even hit 75% on the qualifiers. In fact, there have been years that favorites to win the comp, cut it too close and almost didn't make it out of the qualifying heats because of sandbagging. They all walk a pretty fine line.

He didn't say that he lost because of that (at least I didn't see him saying that anywhere)- I was simply saying that it's an obvious area where there could be a substantial difference that could have changed the results. Of course, I guess it doesn't matter, because he didn't use one and so it didn't. But discussing that he lost by half a point and lost badly in an event where he did not (according to the commentators) use the same advantageous gear as everybody else is valid as to defending why you (in this case me) feel that he isn't so much weaker or whatever.

Do you remember how many more reps he needed to move a spot up in the event? It would make the argument much more relevant if he only needed another rep, but if it was 3 then the point is moot. The bottom line is that the commentators are going to try and make everything seem so outlandish and outside the realm of normal humans that they will make a big deal out of anything.

That Conan's wheel is probably one of the worst events that has ever existed

Its like a yoke walk but hard as hell to carry and its right on your diaphragm so you can't even breathe

I've never done it, but I never really saw the point. It's definitely the event with the least amount of intrigue for me, because there is no relevance. People understand what if feels like to pick up a rock, or a barbell, or a keg etc. No one has come across a conan's wheel in real life unless they went looking for it.

[NorthStrong]

That Conan's wheel is probably one of the worst events that has ever existed

Its like a yoke walk but hard as hell to carry and its right on your diaphragm so you can't even breathe

Conan's wheel definitely has always stood out to me as the event that seemed to require the most guts (figuratively) (and I suppose less guts literally since a big belly doesn't help there). I'm always hoping that all biceps tendons stay in place but it is one of my favourite to watch.

I first met Brian in 2007 or 2008. Back then, he was 'only' around 370 but still ridiculously huge. When I'd walk into public places with him, you could hear a collective gasp from everyone in the establishment as they caught sight of this giant of a man.

I've had the opportunity to train with him a handful of times since then and he never ceases to amaze me.

That's pretty cool man. I was watching 2010 WSM the other day and when Shaw came on I was like "look how small he is" hahaha, compared to now at least, seems like he's done nothing but just pack on a ton of size since then.

[Squatr]

Do you know 100% of Shaw used a squat suit?

Here he is in training a couple weeks out trying to duplicate that event. at 1:00 he mentions he is going to try out his suit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGkT_JHB0W8

He could have ended up saying **** this and ditching the suit, but probably safe to assume he wore one.

[308smk]

A single ply suit that is tight in the legs+hips and not crazy tight in the straps would be ideal. You'd get alot of the extra help, but with the straps being looser youd be able to breathe and have a more forgiving groove.

[lhprop1]

That Conan's wheel is probably one of the worst events that has ever existed

Its like a yoke walk but hard as hell to carry and its right on your diaphragm so you can't even breathe

I hate the Conan's wheel with a passion. That, and any other front carry like a shield, Husafell, or stone carry are horrible, horrible events for your soul.

The first 30-40 meters is fine. You think you've found a good spot and are really moving. Then your breathing starts getting faster and shallower as the weight starts to crush your diaphragm, yet you're still not drawing any air. You've gone completely and totally anaerobic in about 10 seconds. You really, really, really want to set it down, but you know that you can still get a few more steps. You try in futility to take even the smallest breath, but it's not effective. Then you take a few more steps. It seems like an eternity since you tasted the sweet atmosphere and as the world starts to go black, your muscles forsake your effort in exchange for your life as you drop the implement and resume the basic autonomic task of respiration.

The agony of not being able to breathe is indescribable to those who've never done one of these events or been on the verge of drowning.

[Trolltongue]

Right on, I'm sure if they said it then it's probably true. I was just curious what your source was. I imagine most of the suits they wear for high reps are pretty loose, so I can't see them adding more than a couple reps. It's not really safe to say that Thor would've gotten 12+ or whatever just by adding a suit.

They never said he was the only one, they just mentioned it and they say random stuff like that all the time on the TV broadcast, it's more for effect and to impress or remark on things for the general population.

Do you remember how many more reps he needed to move a spot up in the event? It would make the argument much more relevant if he only needed another rep, but if it was 3 then the point is moot. The bottom line is that the commentators are going to try and make everything seem so outlandish and outside the realm of normal humans that they will make a big deal out of anything.

1 more rep would've gotten him half a point which would've tied him on points with Big Z and he would've won on countback(# of wins) :|

[Larfleeze]

I hate the Conan's wheel with a passion. That, and any other front carry like a shield, Husafell, or stone carry are horrible, horrible events for your soul.

The first 30-40 meters is fine. You think you've found a good spot and are really moving. Then your breathing starts getting faster and shallower as the weight starts to crush your diaphragm, yet you're still not drawing any air. You've gone completely and totally anaerobic in about 10 seconds. You really, really, really want to set it down, but you know that you can still get a few more steps. You try in futility to take even the smallest breath, but it's not effective. Then you take a few more steps. It seems like an eternity since you tasted the sweet atmosphere and as the world starts to go black, your muscles forsake your effort in exchange for your life as you drop the implement and resume the basic autonomic task of respiration.

The agony of not being able to breathe is indescribable to those who've never done one of these events or been on the verge of drowning.

I hate even just watching front carry events, always waiting on someone's bicep to pop clean off. Worst one was that stupid rock carry a few years ago where they were all jagged and misshapen so that no one could carry them safely at all..if I remember correctly Terry Hollands' bicep detached during that one

[connerh99]

If mitko keeps it up he'll be in the finals with Thor

[kmc06005]

They never said he was the only one, they just mentioned it and they say random stuff like that all the time on the TV broadcast, it's more for effect and to impress or remark on things for the general population.


1 more rep would've gotten him half a point which would've tied him on points with Big Z and he would've won on countback(# of wins) :|

Well, then I hope he feels like a real knucklehead right now.

Also, related, I'm not implying there will be some shenanigans or anything like that, but it would be the best thing in the world for WSM, for Thor to win it. He is the most popular strongman competitor in the mainstream right now by leaps and bounds.

If ESPN finds out "The Mountain" won WSM, then the sport could really blow up from a spectator standpoint.

[Larfleeze]

Shaw kettlebells: https://instagram.com/p/1uUSgUmDFD/

Oberst kettlebells: https://instagram.com/p/1ugDQOmDBY/

Also, related, I'm not implying there will be some shenanigans or anything like that, but it would be the best thing in the world for WSM, for Thor to win it. He is the most popular strongman competitor in the mainstream right now by leaps and bounds.

If ESPN finds out "The Mountain" won WSM, then the sport could really blow up from a spectator standpoint.

Yup. I fully expected them to stack the events in Thor's favour this year for the amount of media coverage him winning would bring.



edit: found this interesting (Graham Hicks)

hixxy1985:I will be gobsmacked if thor finishes above third place.....

[arn710]

If mitko keeps it up he'll be in the finals with Thor

He is looking really solid from what I have seen so far

Dimitar is a tank

[kmc06005]

Shaw kettlebells: https://instagram.com/p/1uUSgUmDFD/

Oberst kettlebells: https://instagram.com/p/1ugDQOmDBY/

Looks like KBs is the only thing OB has done well so far. 1 rep on the DL? He must train like I do.

[Larfleeze]

More: http://www.********.com/media/set/?s...5813908&type=1

Apparently the Conan's wheel is 250kg worth of pineapples..

[connerh99]

He is looking really solid from what I have seen so far

Dimitar is a tank

From what i know, he's well above average at the stones. with them being worth double points, I think that could solidify his spot in the finals

[Iceman1800]

More: http://www.********.com/media/set/?s...5813908&type=1

Apparently the Conan's wheel is 250kg worth of pineapples..

That's all? Honestly isn't very heavy for this level unless the basket weighs a couple hundred kilos too

[Larfleeze]

That's all? Honestly isn't very heavy for this level unless the basket weighs a couple hundred kilos too

The caption on one of them reads "Dimitar Savatinov begins his journey in the 250kg Conan's Wheel" So yeah I think the entire thing is 250 from the sound of it

[Iceman1800]

The caption on one of them reads "Dimitar Savatinov begins his journey in the 250kg Conan's Wheel" So yeah I think the entire thing is 250 from the sound of it

I've gone 150 feet with 600 pounds and I'm so far out of their league it's pathetic. Maybe they aren't counting the weight of the implement.

[Larfleeze]

I've gone 150 feet with 600 pounds and I'm so far out of their league it's pathetic. Maybe they aren't counting the weight of the implement.

The levers and resistance of the apparatus have a huge impact on how difficult it is though I'd imagine? Could just be a very unforgiving one (just theorising, not basing this on anything)



edit: Terry Hollands: "No more 6ft platforms. All 5 stone platforms are this height now"




Good for the shorter guys.




another edit, just came across this lmao

Laurence Shahlei: "This photo was taken seconds after Benni farted on Nick Best. Look how proud he is!"

[anonymous]

I've gone 150 feet with 600 pounds and I'm so far out of their league it's pathetic. Maybe they aren't counting the weight of the implement.

I find it really low weight ...
When i competed i would win conan's wheel in every contest that had one, my trainer had a 400lb logpress and a 900lb deadlift and i could easely do the same distance as him on conan's wheel, with about 200-300lb more..

Think it serves people with longer arms and smallers guts better

[NorthStrong]

I like that Z just puts the knee sleeves on his elbows instead of elbow sleeves lol.

Wonder why Hicks would say that? I'd honestly be surprised if he finishes outside of 3rd.