Tag: graham hicks
2023 Shaw Classic Updates: New Competitor, Arm Wrestling Matches & More Revealed By Brian Shaw
The 2023 Shaw Classic competition is growing in anticipation, as it is set to be a truly historic Strongman show for multiple reasons. For one, this will be the final pro Strongman contest for the 4x WSM Brian Shaw, who is also the host of the eponymous contest. However, in a new update video posted on YouTube, Brian has revealed some new information about the 2023 Shaw Classic. This includes the change of the lineup and the addition of arm wrestling matches to the show.
Firstly, Brian Shaw revealed that the 2023 Shaw Classic will be more than just a Strongman competition, but instead an Expo. This will increase the enjoyment of all visitors, as they will have the chance to meet some celebrity figures.
“The Expo is going to be amazing. There’s been a lot of work that’s been put into this. We are going to have a ton of guest speakers that are going to be presenting for free. So, this Expo is for free on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. A couple of the confirmed guest speakers are Ed Cohen, Joe Kenn, and Jujimufu. The list is going to be long. We’ll have male and female speakers.”
Addition Of Grip Events & Arm Wrestling To 2023 Shaw Classic
The next thing Brian Shaw addressed was the tedious pause between Strongman events and how he plans on utilizing that time. So, he has two ideas, first one being an addition of two grip events, one on Saturday and the other on Sunday. In addition, elite grip athletes will come in specifically to perform these two events and entertain the fans while Strongmen rest.
“Between these strongman events at the Shaw Classic, people are hoping to have a little bit more entertainment. So, we have listened to that. I’ve had these different ideas, and I feel like we’re going to test them out. So, number one, we’re going to have two different grip events. We’re going to have a bunch of ‘grip experts’, guys that are very high level in grip, come in and compete in two different events. So, one on Saturday and one on Sunday.”
However, grip events on their own are not enough to fill out the repertoire for two days of competition. So, Brian is organizing two major arm wrestling matchups with some big names from that scene. The names are not known yet, as they have not officially been paired, but Brian hopes to satisfy both Strongman and Arm Wrestling fans. In addition, he predicts that this will be the biggest arm wrestling event so far in terms of live audience.
“We are going to add arm wrestling this year. So, this is going to be something new. The goal is to have two different matches. One on Saturday as a part of the contest, and one on Sunday as a part of the contest. So, I’m working on everything on the back side of that and then getting the matches actually confirmed because we want to have really competitive matches that are entertaining, exciting, and hopefully appeal to all of the Strongman fans that will be there in attendance, as well as everybody from the arm wrestling world as well. To my knowledge, this will be the biggest live audience that has ever watched an arm wrestling match in person.”
Graham Hicks Replaced by Pavlo Kordiyaka
Going through the actual Strongman portion of the 2023 Shaw Classic, Brian Shaw revealed that Graham Hicks will not appear. He was originally named as a part of the roster, but he has since withdrawn. An incredible replacement has been found for him, as the 2023 Europe’s Strongest Man, Pavlo Kordiyaka, will step in.
“One update to this list is that Graham Hicks has pulled out of the contest. So, he will not be competing, unfortunately. To take Graham’s spot, we have confirmed Pavlo Kordiyaka. Amazing performance from Pavlo this year at the World’s Strongest Man.”
Reveal of The Final Competitor For The 2023 Shaw Classic
In addition, when Brian Shaw originally revealed the lineup, he confirmed fifteen athletes and left one pending. That was because the sixteenth and final competitor was not able to confirm his arrival at that time. However, he has now been given the green light and Brian revealed that the man in question was Mateusz Kieliszkowski. The Polish Strongman has had an incredible start to his career, but has unfortunately encountered a lot of setbacks during the past few years.
“In the sixteenth spot, we have Mateusz Kieliszkowski. So, Mateusz is confirmed now. What I will say is that he is having some treatment done on his knees. That was his biggest concern about confirming for this contest. He ended up kind of tweaking both of his knees with the stone throw event at the Arnold Classic this year. So, that was unfortunate. He is getting treatment on them, he feels like he’s going to be ready to go.”
Finally, just as a precaution, Brian Shaw has revealed who the reserve for the 2023 Shaw Classic will be. He has gone for Gavin Bilton who got his first International victory just a few days ago as well.
Watch the video here:
Related: Brian Shaw Announces Events For 2023 Shaw Classic
2023 Shaw Classic Full Lineup
Brian Shaw is excited and optimistic about the upcoming 2023 Shaw Classic, hoping that it will attract a large and enthusiastic audience, making it a sold-out event. This competition will take place on August 19-20. So, there is still time to prepare. However, although it is just the fourth edition of the show, it seems that it will be one of the biggest contests this year.
Published: 25 May, 2023 | 3:17 PM EDT
Graham Hicks Will Miss 2022 Britain’s Strongest Man Due To Groin Injury
Graham Hicks will be forced to miss some time after suffering a groin injury.
Graham Hicks is no stranger to the Britain’s Strongest Man competition. He was victorious in 2019 but has been dealing with injuries since. The strongman will be forced to miss the 2022 Britain’s Strongest Man with a groin injury.
Hicks suffered the same injury prior to the 2021 World’s Strongest Man contest and was sidelined. He shared an explanation on his YouTube page. This is the reason Hicks will miss the show and you can even see when the discomfort began.
Graham Hicks explained that it was difficult to go through any of the movements necessary to a strongman. He quickly went to a doctor to check out the injury and figure out just how serious it was.
“At the moment, I’m not able to train in any of the events without significant discomfort.
I’m going to do everything that Stuart [the doctor] said, I’m going to really try to train smart and be patient, and hopefully it will pay off.”
This is a nagging injury that Hicks has been dealing with for over a year now. He has discovered different ways to train around the injury and has competed through it. Because the injury has not completely healed, Hicks will be forced to miss time while the groin strengthens.
After being victorious at the 2019 Britain’s Strongest Man event, Hicks missed the 2020 show with an undisclosed injury. In 2021, he won bronze and finished behind Tom Stoltman and Adam Bishop. Stoltman is the reigning champion while Bishop won the event in 2020. Both competitors will be present at the 2022 show and will highlight a group of 10 competitors.
2022 Britain’s Strongest Man Roster
Gavin Bilton
Adam Bishop
Andy Black
Mark Felix
Shane Flowers
Desmond Gahan
Pa O’Dwyer
Paul Smith
Luke Stoltman
Tom Stoltman
Graham Hicks was one of the contenders to win this event heading in. With his name out of the lineup, there will be another spot open for someone to slide into.
There is no timetable on Hicks’ return or when he will be able to compete again. It is likely that he will do what it takes to return quickly, especially since he has been training with the injury for a year now. The 2022 Britain’s Strongest Man competition is set to take place on Feb. 26 at the Utility Arena in Sheffield, England.
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