The Arnold Strongman Classic will feature several format changes in 2010 that will have the world’s top Strongman competitors lifting even heavier weights than previous years.
The 2010 Arnold Strongman Classic will feature five events – Timber Carry, Manhood Stones, Apollon’s Wheel, Tire Deadlift and Circus Bell – designed to test sheer brute strength.
“From the beginning, Jim Lorimer and Arnold wanted a Strongman contest that would be the truest test of brute strength in the world as well as exciting to watch,” said Dr. Terry Todd, promoter of the Arnold Strongman Classic. “Every year the Arnold Strongman Committee has tweaked or even replaced certain events in order to make the overall contest better.”
Six contestants have been confirmed for the 2010 Arnold Strongman Classic:
Travis Ortmayer of Cypress, Texas – Won the Madison Square Garden Super Series (World’s Strongest Man Qualifier) in June 2008 over a field that included Derek Poundstone
Phil Pfister of Charleston, W.Va. -- Winner of 2006 World's Strongest Man
Derek Poundstone of Waterbury, Conn. -- Winner of the 2009 Arnold Strongman Classic, runner-up in the 2008 World's Strongest Man and winner of America's Strongest Man in 2007 and 2009
Zydrunas Savickas of Lithuania -- Arnold Strongman Classic champion from 2003 through 2008 before not participating in 2009. Also won the 2009 World’s Strongest Man
Brian Siders of Virginia Beach, Va. -- former International Powerlifting Federation superheavy class champion
Brian Shaw of Fort Lupton, Colo. -- Winner of 2009 WSM Super Series
An open invitation has been extended to Mariusz Pudzianowski of Poland, a five-time World's Strongest Man champion (2002, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2008) who recently won his debut as a MMA fighter. The remaining field for the invitation-only event will be announced soon.
Events for the 2010 Arnold Strongman Classic will include:
Timber Carry – Also known as the Farmer’s Walk, the Timber Carry will have a major format change in 2010. The weight of the frame will increase to 1,003 pounds (450 kg), up from 875 pounds, and the contestants will be allowed to use straps to carry the apparatus 36 feet as fast as they can. The timbers will be carried across a flat platform instead of an incline to offset the dramatic weight increase.
Manhood Stones – Contestants lift round stones weighing 529 pounds, up from 525 pounds in 2010, over a pounds over a bar approximately 48 inches high.
Apollon’s Wheel – The Apollon's Wheel will also have a major format change in 2010. In previous years. contestants would lift a 366-pound barbell over their heads as many times as possible. In 2010, a rising bar format will be instituted in which each competitor will attempt to lift the bar three times, beginning at 366 pounds (166 kg), then moving to 388 pounds (176 kg), 410 pounds (186 kg), 432 pounds (196 kg) and finally 454 pounds (206 kg). Those who advance to the 454-pound stage will do as many floor-to-overhead reps as possible in 90 seconds
Tire Deadlift – Contestants lift a specially-designed 14-foot long bar weighted with tires and metal plates. The beginning weight for the event is at least 700 pounds.
Circus Bell – Contestants lift a 228-pound dumbbell, up from 202 pounds in previous years,l over their head as many times as possible. Contestants are allowed to use two hands to bring the dumbbell to their shoulders, but must lift it overhead with one hand.
The Arnold Strongman Classic is produced by Drs. Terry and Jan Todd of the University of Texas and will be held March 5-6 at the Arnold Sports Festival. All events are held on the main stage are the Arnold Fitness Expo, except for the final event which is held at Veteran’s Memorial.
Last modified: 2009-12-22 @ 12:00 am
