Arnold Classic 2010

From Terry Todd

BIG CHANGES AND NEW EVENTS AT THE 2010 ARNOLD STRONGMAN CLASSIC

The 2010 Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC) will maintain most of its signature events, and will once again be sponsored by Maximum Human Performance (MHP). The ASC will also introduce several changes in an effort to improve the contest. These changes have been made by the ASC’s organizing committee, led by Dr. Terry Todd and made up of Scotland’s David Webster, Strongman legend Bill Kazmaier, equipment manufacturer Richard Sorin, historian Dr. John Fair, and Dr. Jan Todd, former world record holder in powerlifting.

The Arnold Strongman Classic originated in 2001, when Jim Lorimer asked Terry Todd if he would design and oversee a Strongman competition for the 2002 ASC. From the beginning, Lorimer and Todd, along with Arnold himself, wanted a Strongman contest that would be the truest test of brute strength in the world as well as exciting to watch. Every year the ASC Committee has tweaked or even replaced certain events in order to make the overall contest better. This year the ASC will consist of five challenges instead of the six which were used last year. The Heavy Yoke will be dropped, and the remaining challenge will be:


The Tire Deadlift—no change. The Tire Deadlift is done on a unique bar 14 feet long and loaded with Hummer tires. The men can wear lifting straps, which eliminate any strain on the grip, and the bar is approximately 2” higher than a standard Olympic bar would be when loaded with either 20 kilo or 45 pound plates. The world record on this bar is an amazing 500 kilos (1102 pounds).

Manhood Stone—no change except for the addition of approximately two kilos or 4 pounds for record-breaking purposes. Last year the round, smooth Manhood Stone weighed 529 pounds, and was the heaviest stone of this sort ever lifted over a bar 48” high.

Apollon’s Wheels—major change. This event has been used in each of the eight ASC contests, and the challenge has always been to lift the 166 kilo (366 pound) barbell from the floor to the shoulders and then overhead for as many complete repetitions as possible. The same man who designed and built our Apollon’s Wheels, Tom Lincir, has designed a way to allow the basic Wheels to be increased from 166 kilos in four 10 kilo jumps—to 176 kg (388 pounds), 186 kg (410 pounds), 196 kg (432 pounds), and finally to 206 kg (454 pounds). Men who reach the top weight will be asked to do as many floor-to-overhead reps as they can in 90 seconds.

Circus Bell—weight change. Last year our winner, Derek Poundstone, made a remarkable 15 complete reps, and so the committee decided to increase weight. Last year’s format will be used, but the weight of the huge, awkward implement with its 3” diameter bar will be boosted to approximately 103 kg (228 pounds). The ASC committee believes that no event in a true Strongman contest should use a weight so light that one or more of the competitors could do 12 or more repetitions with it.

Timber Carry—major change. For many years we have used the same massive, solid frame built out of old barn timbers and weighing approximately 875 pounds. In the past the men were not allowed to use straps and they were required to walk up a ramp about 36’ long as fast as possible. This year the ten giants will be allowed to use straps because the weight of the frame will be approximately 450 kg (1003 pounds)--an increase of more than 57 kilos (approximately 127 pounds) heavier. To offset this dramatic weight increase the men will carry the Timbers on a flat platform instead of up a ramp. Each man will be given the same 30 second time limit as has been used in the contest from the beginning.

As has been the case since the first Arnold Strongman Classic in 2002, the contest will award the greatest top prize in the sport and will feature the leading strength athletes in the world. At this point we have commitments from Zydrunas Savickas, winner of six ASC titles from 2003 through 2008 and also winner of the 2009 Fortissimus title and the 2009 World’s Strongest Man tv contest; Derek Poundstone, winner of the ASC in 2009, Winner of America's Strongest Man 2009, and 2007, winner of Fortissimus 2008; Phil Pfister, winner of the World’s Strongest Man tv in 2006; Brian Siders, winner of the superheavy class in the International Powerlifting Federation and world record holder; Brian Shaw, winner of All American Strength Challenge; and Travis Ortmayer; past winner of the MSG WSM Super Series contest. As usual, an invitation has been sent to Mariusz Pudzianowski, five-time WSM winner, MMA fighter, and winner of Poland’s version of Dancing with the Stars.

Rob said:Wonder why the dude refers to "Worlds Strongest Man TV contest"? Obviously a hidden message there

As usual, an invitation has been sent to Mariusz Pudzianowski, five-time WSM winner, MMA fighter, and winner of Poland’s version of Dancing with the Stars.

Cuddles said:Straps on the frame carry is f**king ghey.

WILLSAN said:I predict that Z will walk it now the grip is taken out of the frame carry. thats the only event which he finishes down the field in. without that no-one has a chance against him IMO.

thestoneman said:
''Z'' is king !!! , but ya never know . shaw, poundstone, an are terry are all very good at the arnold type events !! ??