Think you have what it takes to be an Arnold Strongman?
The promoters of the Arnold Strongman Classic – which pits the world’s foremost Strongmen against each other in unbelievable tests of pure brute strength – have announced a series of Grip Challenges for 2010 that will allow amateurs to the chance to win up to $1,000.
“For the past two years we have issued challenges to the audience featuring the 200-plus pound Circus Dumbbell that we use in the Arnold Strongman Classic,” said Dr. Terry Todd, ASC promoter. “These challenges have been so popular that we decided to create a number of truly difficult feats of hand strength as a way to provide even more excitement to the tens of thousands of people who watch the Arnold Strongman Classic every year.”
The 2010 Mighty Mitts Challenge, with $1,000 going to the winner of each event, will feature:
The Jowell Anvil – Named in honor of 20th century strongman George F. Jowett, challengers will be asked to grip a 163-pound anvil by the horn, deadlift and hold it in the air as long as possible. The anvil to be used in the competition was once owned by Jowett, and acquired by Todd from Jowett’s granddaughter.
Sorin’s Monster – Richard Sorin, founder and owner of Sorinex Equipment and a legend of hand strength, will produce a circus-type barbell weighing approximately 500 pounds and featuring a two-inch bar. Challengers will attempt to deadlift the bar as many times as possible in 30 seconds using a double-overhand (pronated) grip.
Inch By Inch – Named in honor of English strongman legend Thomas Inch, challengers will be asked to deadlift matching Inch Dumbbells (each weighing 172 pounds with a 2.5-inch handle) and walk as far as possible.
The Mark Henry Bell – Former Arnold Strongman Classic champ Mark Henry had a dumbbell mad that weighs 300 pounds and has a 2.5-inch handle. Challengers will be asked to simply lift the dumbbell out of its box. The prize money will be split if more than one challenger succeeds, although promoter doubt anybody will be able to complete the feat.
The Gama Club – Promoters are considering bringing a massive club that challengers would have to pick up by the small end and lever it into the air on onto their shoulders. “We are not certain we will include this event in 2010 as we want to be sure we have a club that is not totally impossible to lift,” Todd said.
The winner of each of these challenges will earn $1,000 as well as lasting fame, and his name will be placed on a plaque at the Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports at the University of Texas.
During the months between future Arnold Sports Festivals, challengers will be welcome to come to Austin and attempt to match or exceed the accomplishments of our contestants in this new event.
“It is not necessary for a challenger to attempt all four or five of our events, but no one will be allowed to attempt the challenges without demonstrating that he has at least a chance to succeed,” Todd said.
Prior to the Arnold Strongman Classic, prospective challengers should send an email to Terry Todd at ttjt@centurytel.net stating their interest and their accomplishments. Some people may be allowed to take part based on what they have provably done in the past, but some will be asked to meet with our officials prior to the challenges and to demonstrate their strength in particular events.
During the months between future Arnold Sports Festivals, challengers will be welcome to come to Austin and attempt to match or exceed the accomplishments of our contestants in this new event.
“It is not necessary for a challenger to attempt all four or five of our events, but no one will be allowed to attempt the challenges without demonstrating that he has at least a chance to succeed,” Todd said.
Prior to the Arnold Strongman Classic, prospective challengers should send an email to Terry Todd at ttjt@centurytel.net stating their interest and their accomplishments. Some people may be allowed to take part based on what they have provably done in the past, but some will be asked to meet with our officials prior to the challenges and to demonstrate their strength in particular events.
“We hope these challenges bring out the true Giants of Grip from around North America and well beyond, and that the growing community of grip enthusiasts comes to Columbus to watch what should be an exciting addition to the Arnold Strongman Classic,” Todd said. “Jim Lorimer refers to the Arnold Sports Festival as ‘Strength Heaven’ and in creating these unprecedented grip challenges a new star has been added to the firmament—a star which should stimulate strong men everywhere to push back the boundaries of hand strength.”
Last modified: 2010-01-31 @ 12:00 am
