Tag: powerlifting
2022 UK’s Strongest Man Results: Paul Smith Takes Home The Title
The UK’s Strongest Man competition crowned another champion over the weekend.
The 2022 UK’s Strongest Man competition took place over the weekend in Milton Keynes, England. There were eight of the top strongmen from around the world that clinched a spot in the final. In the end, Paul Smith was crowned champion after a long weekend of events.
The finals consisted of five different events for the athletes to participate in. Gavin Bilton was looking to defend his title and was able to qualify for the final round. He finished with the bronze as Louis Jack was the runner-up to Smith.
The full results from the final round of the competition have been released. Checkout the final standings along with how each competitor fared in the five events in the final.
2022 UK’s Strongest Man: Final Standings
First Place – Paul Smith (ENG) – 33.5 points
Second Place – Louis Jack (SCO) – 26 points
Third Place – Gavin Bilton (WAL) – 25.5 points
Fourth Place – Cilléin Groom (IRL) – 24.5 points
Fifth Place – David Ramplee (WAL) – 24 points
Sixth Place – Matt Diamond (WAL) – 16.5 points
Seventh Place – Scott Milne (SCO) – 15 points
Eighth Place – Andrew Flynn (ENG) – 15 points
2022 UK’s Strongest Man: Full Event Recap
Arm-Over-Arm Pull
This was a timed event with a 75-second cap. Competitors were to pull an 8,500kg truck down a 25-meter ramp as fast as they could. There was only one competitor who was able to complete the entire course.
David Ramplee – 25 meters in 72 seconds
Paul Smith – 18.35 meters
Scott Milne – 17.7 meters
Cilléin Groom – 14.05 meters
Gavin Bilton – 13.1 meters
Andrew Flynn – 7.35 meters
Louis Jack – 7.2 meters
Matt Diamond – 6.9 meters
Sandbag To Shoulder
Athletes were asked to lift a 150kg sandbag from the ground to their shoulder. This is not a timed event as competitors battled to see who could complete the most amount of reps.
Paul Smith – Five reps (T-first)
Gavin Bilton – Five reps (T-first)
Cilléin Groom – Four reps
David Ramplee – Three reps (T-third)
Andrew Flynn – Three reps (T-third)
Louis Jack – Three reps (T-third)
Matt Diamond – Two reps
Scott Milne – One rep
Squat For Reps
In this event, each athlete racked up as many reps as possible using a 250kg car. The champion was able to pull out the victory by a wide margin.
Paul Smith – 28 reps
Cilléin Groom – 22 reps (T-second)
Matt Diamond – 22 reps (T-second)
Louis Jack – 20 reps
Scott Milne – 18 reps
Gavin Bilton – 15 reps
Andrew Flynn – 14 reps
David Ramplee – 10 reps
Block Press
The athletes were tasked with lifting four blocks of different weights onto the platforms as fast as they could. They had 75 seconds to complete all four blocks.
Louis Jack – Four blocks, 61.97 seconds
Paul Smith – Four blocks, 66.23 seconds
Matt Diamond – Three blocks, 48.64 seconds
Gavin Bilton – Three blocks, 64.36 seconds
Cilléin Groom – Three blocks, 70.08 seconds
David Ramplee – Two blocks, 46.67 seconds
Scott Milne – One block, 32.08 seconds
Andrew Flynn – One block, 44.25 seconds
Flag Hoist
The flag hoist was the final event where athletes had 75 seconds to hoist flags as quickly as possible. There were five flags that went up in weight as they went down the line.
David Ramplee – Four flags, 55.35 seconds
Louis Jack – Three flags, 25.1 seconds
Gavin Bilton – Three flags, 25.54 seconds
Andrew Flynn – Three flags, 45.22 seconds
Paul Smith – One flag, 5.94 seconds
Cilléin Groom – One flag, 6.04 seconds
Scott Milne – One flag, 12.9 seconds
Matt Diamond – One flag, 20.7 seconds
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Rauno Heinla Sets Silver Dollar Deadlift World Record With 1,278.7-Pound Lift
Rauno Heinla approached 1,300 pounds during his recent feat of strength.
It has not been the easiest road for Rauno Heinla to this point of the 2022 calendar year. He has dealt with different setbacks that have hindered his progress. Heinla recently put all of that behind him as he set a new silver dollar deadlift world record with a 580kg (1,278.7lb) feat of strength.
Heinla battled stomach issues the kept him out of the World’s Strongest Man competition. It was expected that his return wold take awhile but Heinla was able to put all of that behind him and get on stage during the 2022 Silver Dollar Deadlift Estonian Championship. This competition took place on Saturday in Viljandi. Heinla impressed over the course of the competition including setting a new world record. This mark was previously held by Ben Thompson, which was set during the 2022 WDC Silver Dollar Deadlift World Championships.
The silver dollar deadlift gets its name because the barbell has two boxes on the side full of plates. In the past, these boxes were filled with actual silver dollars but it would take too many in today’s sport. Adding plates on each side makes more sense. Heinla stepped up to the weight with a lifting belt, wrist wraps, and deadlift suit.
Rauno Heinla is back on stage and will continue to reach new heights. Since accomplishing this silver dollar lift, conversations have started about Heinla reaching the deadlift world record. This is a goal that he has been working toward during training.
Heinla has competed in 45 competitions during his powerlifting career. He has appeared in just one World’s Strongest Man competition. He missed this year’s show but is planning to appear at the 2022 Giants Live World Open & World Deadlift Championships. This could be the site of Heinla attempting to reach the deadlift world record.
Heinla is considered a threat to the deadlift throne because this is where his greatest strength lies. He has reached the 1,000-pound mark in a standard deadlift and this number will continue to rise.
Rauno Heinla was able to cross off one lift off the top of his lift. Now that the silver dollar lift is in the rearview mirror, he can focus on the overall deadlift world record — potentially at his next show.
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Bodybuilder Joe Mackey Deadlifts 850 Pounds At Iron Wars IV, Still Hopes To Qualify For Olympia
Joe Mackey is a professional bodybuilder who is able to reach massive numbers with his deadlift.
Joe Mackey is a professional bodybuilder but he has been putting up numbers in the gym looking like a powerlifter. He continued to show off his impressive deadlifts during CT Fletcher’s Iron abs IV on Friday. Mackey stepped up to 850 pounds on the bar and was able to make it look light in front of the cord gathered at Fletcher’s Iron Addicts Gym in Signal Hill, CA.
Mackey stepped up to the weight using a double overhand grip while wearing lifting straps and a lifting belt. He was able to lock out the bar with little struggle. In his Instagram captions, Mackey revealed that he is preparing for a bodybuilding competition and was lighter than usual during this lift.
“850 lbs tonight at Iron wars with @c.t.ali.fletcher!
Let me remind you, I’m in prep for my next bodybuilding show and I’ve lost 15 lbs since I’ve pulled 900 lbs a month ago.
I’m happy to see that 850 lbs still feels very smooth!! “
Joe Mackey did not reveal what bodybuilding show he is preparing for but it is clear that his goal is to earn qualification to the Olympia in December. Mackey will have to pickup a victory at a show to punch his ticket.
This 850-pound lift is not the heaviest that Mackey has attempted. He was able to reach the 900-pound mark in training but admitted that he was lighter during this lift.
Joe Mackey began competing in the IFBB in 2017. He placed eighth during the 2020 Tampa Pro, which was the best of his career. Mackey competed just once in 2021 during the Chicago Pro. He has yet to make his debut in 2022 but is clear that he is preparing for a return to the bodybuilding world.
“I made it up in my mind that I’d do 850 lbs prior to the event regardless of how lean I am for prep.
I knew that my weight had dropped 20 lbs since last time I did 900 lbs, however that didn’t stop me from knowing what I could still do to show up and show out.”
It is extremely impressive to see the eight that is being moved by Joe Mackey recently. It is even more impressive when learning that he preparing to make a return to bodybuilding.
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Larry Wheels Talks Experiences On Trenbolone: ‘It’s A Life Living Hell’
Larry Wheels explains how Trenbolone is by far the worst steroid he has taken.
Larry Wheels has built a reputation as an elite powerlifter with a massive following. Over the course of his career, Wheels has dabbled with many PEDs and this is something he has recently opened up about more and more. This continued in a recent interview as the powerlifter went over his steroid use and explained how Trenbolone was the worst experience.
Wheels has gained 3.3 million followers on Instagram. He is known for his incredible feats of strength and shredded physique. From powerlifting, Wheels has also taken on arm wrestling and is nearing a return to strongman. Wheels has not taken part in bodybuilding but the recent string of deaths in the sport has opened the eyes of all close to it.
Shawn Rhoden passed away suddenly last year and this hit the bodybuilding world hard. George Peterson and Cedric McMillan also passed away due to heart complications and this shocked the community. Because of this, Wheels decided to get checked out by a doctor because of his steroid use over the last decade. At 27 years old, Wheels revealed that his heart is healthy and where it needs to be.
The conversation continued as Larry Wheels discussed how Trenbolone is the worst steroid that he has been on.
READ MORE: Larry Wheels Shares Update On Here Health After ‘Abusing PEDs For 10 Years Straight’
Larry Wheels On Trenbolone: “It’s A Nightmare To Deal With”
Many steroids come with side effects and these include mood swings, acne, and insomnia. These go along with the other long-term effects that athletes have. For Wheels, he did not have many side effects on substances but admitted that Trenbolone was “a living hell.”
“I tried to get rid of the bare minimum, but this Tren has just…besides the advantages, all of the other side effects they bring like mood swings, the insomnia, the acne. It’s just a nightmare to deal with. Is it even worth the small extra strength gain it will give you over something like a D-Bol or T-Bol or Deconate. Is it even worth it but it’s just a nightmare to deal with,” Wheels explained.
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Wheels revealed recently that he had been using steroids for about 10 years now. This is when he began seeing differences in his physique and strength. After seeing what is happening in the sport of bodybuilding, he decided to check on his health and reflect on the last decade.
“I’ve been on PEDs for ten years straight right. The worst of them has definitely been Tren. I mean, all other PEDs my mental health is okay, I’m not paranoid or I’m not irritable or overly aggressive. So, it’s just that one, it’s just Tren. It’s a life living hell. I haven’t used it in a while for that reason, or orals for that matter.”
READ MORE: Bodybuilders Are Dying: An Investigation Into Modern Bodybuilding, Health, & PED Use
Larry Wheels Plans To Cut Back
Larry Wheels went into how steroid cycles are different than they were before. After 10 years of using, Wheels has decided to dial it back a bit to keep his health priorities first.
“We don’t really know what the long-term effect of abusing drugscan really be. We see guys like Arnold, and other bodybuilders back in the day, still okay today. But they were not using the same drugs that we were using today.”
“When these bodybuilders are passing away, a lot of them I’ve met personally, shook hands with. It’s just like surreal, they’re so young. Thirty, forty years old. They’re leaving behind children and wives, and it’s just really sad.”
Larry Wheels continues to prepare for the 2022 Middle East’s Strongest Man competition and has put up some more eye-popping numbers in the gym. Just because he plans to cut back on certain cycles does not mean that he is not going to be lifting. Wheels is at a point in his career where he has built enough strength to compete.
Now, the 27-year-old powerlifter will focus on his health moving forward.
“When you’re young, everyone tells you, ‘oh you’re young, don’t worry about it, you’re supposed to be healthy’ but you’re totally right on the same page. I’m going to be thirty soon. I need to dial things back. I want to have kids soon. I don’t want to be 35-40 trying to have kids. I don’t even know if I’m fertile or not, I have to deal with that as well and figure that out. Life hits you, you know. It comes fast.”
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Bobb Matthews Sets Unofficial World Record USAPL Deadlift World Record With 845.5-Pound Lift
Powerlifter Bobb Matthews continues to make waves with huge numbers in the gym.
This is not the first time that Bobb Matthews has approached a world record. As a powerlifter, Matthews is putting up some massive numbers and continuing to add strength. In a recent training session, Matthews unofficially surpassed the USAPL deadlift world record in the U100kg division. Matthews completed a 383.5kg (845.5lb) lift in training and could add even more to that number moving forward.
The current world record is held by Ashton Rouska, who reached the mark during the 2020 USAPL Virginia Winter Wrecker. Rouska was able to complete a 383kg (844.4lb) lift. He was one of the first ones to comment on Matthews’ Instagram post of his lift saying “well on your way to becoming the best to have done it.”
“845.5LBS (383.5KG) PR. ?
“1lb/.5kg” over the WR deadlift @ 100kg in USAPL. My first time rivaling a WR lift in training.. not bad! @theswolefessor“
Bobb Matthews approached the weight with a lifting belt in order to aid in the lift. He used a sumo stance and hook grip. Matthews made the lift look easy and showed that he could have plenty left in the tank next time he steps on stage.
Matthews is set to compete in Las Vegas during the 2022 USAPL Mega Nationals from June 7-12. This is the time for Matthews to potentially set this new world record. He has just a few weeks left of preparation before competing and it will be interesting to see if he can set some new PRs and a world record.
Bobb Matthews Competition PRs
Squat: 330 kg (727.5 lbs)
Bench Press: 212.5 kg (468.5 lbs)
Deadlift: 370 kg (815.7 lbs)
Total: 912.5 (2011.7 lbs)
In June, Bobb Matthews has a chance to win his first ever National title. By the looks of his recent training, there are many goals within reach for the powerlifter. If one of these is the deadlift world record in his division, Matthews might have a chance to add some more weight over the next couple weeks. When the time comes, he can use one of his three attempts to make it happen.
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Powerlifter Larry Wheels Launches OnlyFans Page
Larry Wheels recently shared the link to his new OnlyFans account.
Larry Wheels has built a massive social media following because of his many avenues. Led by powerlifting, Wheels has dabbled in many areas that use his strength and physique to succeed, including bodybuilding and arm wrestling. Now, Wheels has decided to start an OnlyFans account.
Wheels took to his Instagram story to share the link to his new page. He has built a following on Instagram of 3.3 million and rising. Wheels’ feats of strength have gained much attention and he has decided to take on a new journey.
“Exclusive Content Line In Bio”
Larry Wheels shares the link in a link in his social media bio. His OnlyFans page is alongside a supplements page, clothing site, and Boohooman activewear site. According to his page, subscribers can sign up for $20 a month or use a bundle ($51 for three months or $180 for a full year).
Wheels is not the first in the fitness industry to take on this venture. Many have used this as an opportunity to connect with fans in different ways and this is likely what Wheels plans to do as well.
Larry Wheels Powerlifting
Larry Wheels is one of the biggest muscle freaks in powerlifting. He shared a video in January of himself before he began venturing into the gym to show the progress that he has made. He clearly did not have the size that he has now and he wanted to inspire others to do the same.
Recently, Wheels has been training for Middle East’s Strongest Man competition. He announced a new deadlift PR attempt coming during the event. The max deadlift is scheduled to be an event and Wheels wants to reach a number that he has never before. This came after a 937-pound deadlift that he shared on Instagram.
Larry Wheels has started keeping an eye on his health following a string of deaths in bodybuilding linked to PEDs. In April, Wheels took a trip to the doctors to get his heart checked after years of steroid use. Thankfully, Wheels checked out and he can continue opening eyes in the gym.
It is no secret that Wheels is one of the biggest names in powerlifting. He has made a huge name for himself on social media and he plans to use his brand in many different ways.
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Julius Maddox Completes Massive 796-Pound Bench Press During Training
Julius Maddox continues to inch closer to his mark of 800 pounds on the bench.
Julius Maddox might hold the all-time bench press world record but he has made it clear that he is aiming for bigger goals. Maddox has been creeping toward an 800-pound bench press and took big steps in a recent training session. Maddox was able to complete a huge 796-pound raw bench press recently.
Maddox set the all-time mark of 782 pounds in February 2021 during the World Raw Powerlifting Federation Hybrid Showdown III. From this moment on, he set his sights on being the first man to bench press 800 pounds raw. On Tuesday, Maddox shared a video on Instagram to show off some recent progress.
“I’ve missed this weight +10 times. Hearing my little girls ask me when I will hit 800lbs is enough for me to lay it all on the line. This is bigger tan a title for me. It’s about the long lasting impact I leave for my kids and family. The times they fall on hard times and need some motivation! God gave me this gift to show the world his power that can take a ol junkie like me and do great wonders! 800+ soon!”
This is clearly not the first time that Julius Maddox has hit some massive bench press accomplishments. In April, Maddox took on 700 pounds and was able to complete four reps. Now, Maddox is battling with Danial Zamani to see who will be the first to reach 800 pounds.
Julius Maddox vs. Danial Zamani
Julius Maddox might hold the all-time bench press world record but this does not seem to be the goal recently. Both Maddox and Danial Zamani have had their sights set on 800 pounds and it will be interesting to see who will reach it officially.
Zamani completed an 804.7-pound bench press in training, becoming the first man to reach this mark and accomplishing the “dream goal.”
This might have added a little more motivation for Maddox. He has attempted 800 pounds on two separate occasions but has been unable to complete the lift. Maddox is continuing to train all body parts in order to strengthen his bench press. This includes a recent 820-pound squat.
Now just four pounds away, Julius Maddox will be pushing hard for 800 pounds. There could be another attempt coming soon but nothing has been announced to this point.
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Nadia Stowers Hits 525-Pound Deadlift For Three Reps In Recent Training Session
Nadia Stowers continues to impress during training with massive deadlifts.
Nadia Stowers has certainly made waves in powerlifting and is continuing to improve to this day. On Friday, the strongwoman took to Instagram to share her latest deadlift PR. Stowers approached 525 pounds on the bar and was able to complete three reps.
Stowers completed this lift with a lifting belt and lifting straps while using a conventional stance. During this workout, Stowers kept increasing the weight on the bar until she reached her three-rep max.
“Death by deads! Start low and build up by 20# to a heavy triple. Touch n go to get used to keeping the tension in the bar. REP PR of 525 for my top set!! These were awesomely terrible”
Nadia Stowers has been attacking deadlifts in recent weeks. She is scheduled to make an appearance at C.T. Fletcher’s Iron Wars on May 20. She last competed at the 2022 Clash on the Coast Strongwoman competition in the 82kg division.
Since first competing in 2019, Stowers has made plenty of noise in strongwoman. She won the 2019 U82 World’s Strongest Woman contest and holds two world records. Both lifts came during the 2021 Static Monsters Worldwide.
Nadia Stowers completed a 660-pound Axle Deadlift to grab her first world record and followed it up with a 288-pound log lift. This contributed to one of her professional victories over the course of her career. Prior to setting the Axle Deadlift world record, Stowers matched the lift, previously held by Kim Derks at 650.4-pounds in 2019. Now, Stowers holds the record by herself.
Stowers seems to be putting in some big work in order to take home another victory in two weeks. If there is a deadlift event at Fletcher’s event, Stowers has a chance to put up even higher numbers. If her training is any indication, Stowers is preparing to do something special when the time comes.
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Larry Wheels Announces Deadlift PR Attempt Date Following 425kg Lift
Larry Wheels will take on a new deadlift challenge in August.
Larry Wheels has become known for his massive feats of strength. He has built a huge following on social media and this is where he shared his latest deadlift and made a big announcement. In August, Wheels will be taking on a new PR deadlift.
On Tuesday, Wheels posted a video of a 425kg (937lb) deadlift on Instagram. This is when revealed his plan to hit a new PR in August. With this announcement coming in May and Wheels already hitting 937 pounds, what could this PR be when the time comes?
“925/425kg.Preparing for a deadlift PR in august. Can you guess what it’ll be?”
While Larry Wheels did not reveal what the lift would be, he left it up for followers to guess in the comments. It would not be surprising to see Wheels target the 1,000-pound mark when the time comes.
Wheels has a long history as a powerlifter but has recently taken on different ventures, such as arm wrestling. He is planning to return to the stage during the 2022 Middle East’s Strongest Man competition, which is set to take place on Aug. 27-28. At this event, the max deadlift is one of the events and this is where Wheels will take on his new PR.
READ MORE: Larry Wheels Shares Exercise To Build A Massive Back
Larry Wheels Competition History
Larry Wheels competed in sanctioned powerlifting for seven years. During this time, he competed in 16 shows and finished with 11 victories. He also holds the all-time raw world record for total weight and bench press in the U140kg division.
Wheels has continued to train like a powerlifter and has his numbers at massive heights. It is clear that Wheels is continuing to build strength and will likely have a shot at winning his competition in August.
Larry Wheels Competition PRs
Squat: 394.6 kilograms (870 pounds)
Deadlift: 387.2 kilograms (855 pounds)
Bench press: 293 kilograms (645 pounds)
Total: 1,075 kilograms (2,370 pounds)
When Larry Wheels takes the stage, there will certainly be plenty of eyes on him. He has built an Instagram following of 3.3 million and counting. He has already teased a deadlift PR attempt and this will only bring more attention to his performance. Can Wheels be the next to officially deadlift 1,000 pounds?
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Nicolaas du Preez Reaches Competition Best With 926-Pound Squat In Training
Nicolaas du Preez reached a familiar number in a training session.
Nicolaas du Preez seems to be taking his training to the next level and could be ready to return to competition. Despite not competing in a sanctioned competition since March 2021, du Preez has been able to maintain his huge numbers and showed it off with a 420kg (926lb) squat in training.
This was not a raw lift by du Preez considering that he used knee wraps, a lifting belt, and wrist straps. During competition, du Preez intends to compete raw with wraps. This 926-pound lift matched that of his competition-best to this point. The bar was a bit shaky but du Preez made this lift look easy, meaning there might be plenty more in the tank.
“420 ?▪️Wasted a lot of energy, at several instances, that’s all I can say. Still moved well so eh ??♀️▪️Last squat before #EliteRaw. Time to rest up. 12 days out”
Nicolaas du Preez has been training for the 2022 RPC Elite Raw powerlifting competition. This will take place on May 14 in South Africa. du Preez is looking shredded as he continues to prepare for competition. He has been able to maintain a bodyweight of 275 pounds as he inches closer and closer to the event.
Competing in the 125kg weight class, du Preez has a chance to do something that only two other men has done. Zahir Khudayarov and Eric Lilliebridge are the only competitors from this division to total over 1,050kg (2,315lb). When looking at some of his recent lifts, du Preez has a chance to reach this mark.
In recent training sessions, Nicolaas du Preez has put up some big numbers. Aside from this squat, du Preez has reached a 255kg (562.5lb) bench press and 405kg (893lb) deadlift. In his career, du Preez has competed in six competitions and is undefeated to this point.
Nicolaas du Preez Competition Best Lifts
Squat: 420 kg (925.9 lbs) – 2021 WPC-SA Power Wars
Bench Press: 245 kg (540.1 lbs) – 2021 WPC-SA Power Wars
Deadlift: 385 kg (848.7 lbs) – 2019 WPC-SA Power Wars
Total: 1030 kg (2270.7 lbs) – 2019 WPC-SA Power Wars
Nicolaas du Preez will plan to compete in his next competition raw in the 125kg division. This could be a special night if he is able to reach some new heights in the division and for his personal career.
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