New British and European record 2 hand pinches

Both Laurence Shahlaei and I pulled 117.5-kilos. I get the record as I pulled first.

Big Loz qualifies for WSM

In a Giants Live event, held in the Ukraine, Laurence Shahlaei pushed Derek Poundstone to the wire (in fact Ironmind reports Loz was in 1st place until the last event). Placing 2nd when the dust settled Loz has now qualified for this years WSM. Photo from Ironmind. There report HERE

Loz joins the elite

If you're on facebook check Loz's page for a video of his 400kg deadlift. It's a small select club.

Bog Loz pulls 382.5 kilos raw.

Nick McKinless image.

W.O.G/BHSA Super Series Leg 2

Did ok. Tied for 1st with Loz here and 2nd overall by virtue of David Horne having a better days 2 hand pinching than Loz and I. We had success with 109.99kg and him 112 or so. All three of us attempted more than the current world record so that's a good sign. Loz beat me on the weaver (strapless is BRUTAL) and I pulled the most across both camps on the Rolling Thunder (I think I've only lost once in competition on that) with 107.9-kilos or around 240lbs'ish.

I've also just seen on facebook a guy who works for the company which makes equipment for the WSM (or at least the last one). I'll load some photos as and when he adds me as a buddy. Loving their axles and dumbbells.

The new World's Strongest Man is...

Big Z!! It's easy enough to find out the rest of the results sufficent to say that coming into the last day there was 0.5 points between Mariusz and Zydrunas. Many strength affectionados have been saying for some time that Big Z was the man but since the IFSA spilt etc had not had a chance to prove it. Sufficent to say there are many much happier fans this morning. Perhaps not too many in the USA where the noise from the Poundstone camp pre WSM was loud and then during the event were a little quieter. Derek himself seems to have enjoyed his time in Malta from the many facebook photos I've seen.

Image Loz preps for the Apollon's Axle (155kg or so)

For me, co-owning what is called the Whey Gym (we've never actually formerly named it, it;'s just our gym in the warehouse) this years WSM has been all about seeing how well my buddy Laurence Shahlaei would do. It's worth reminding everyone that Loz, as he is sometimes known, has not been doing the sport a great time. It's a matter of... what?? 5 years?? Year one was 'let's see if I am any good'. Year two 'do well in a regional qualifier' - job done. Year 3 'qualify for the Britain's'... job done. Year 4 'make the podium'... out by one spot (4th not 3rd) but he still got an invite to the 08 WSM and won the squat. Year 5 and he said 'I'd like to make the finals...' Well there he damn well was. Again with a squat win (only athlete in the qualifying rounds to do all the barrels).

Loz boat pull.

One day he'll say 'I want to win the World's Strongest Man'. When he says that... I'll be seeing if the local bookies will take a dead cert bet for me.

Loz car deadlift

The photos are from a bunch on Facebook showing some highlights of Loz's journey this year.

Loz with Derek Poundstone

Who dat short arse on the left?

Six feet 2 and he looks tiny

Video of WSM plane pull

Link

Only a three man highlight... but 3rd man is Loz

Hang on in there Loz

Farmers walk
1. Pudzian - 25,05
2. Poundstone - 32,...
3. Shahlaei - 33,...

And those going through to the WSM finals are

Debby the gold envelope please... (sounds of a drum roll)...

1. Shaw (USA)
2. Big Z
3. Poundstone (USA)
4. LPJ
5. Pudzianowski (POL)
6. Pfister (USA)
7. Terry Holland (UK)
8. Loz Shahlaei (UK)
9. Travis O (USA)
10. Dave O (USA)

Worlds Strongest Man

I think Loz's group compete again today doing their last 2 events before the finals. Will Loz continue kicking ass or, more sensibly, hold back a little saving what he needs for the finals now he's qualified. The competitor in me says I'd crack on but my sensible head says... careful, play the game.

More from the WSM

Who dat? Dat winner of squat!!

Loz looks like he's qualified

Update: From his brother harry ''loz won both his events today, and has made the final with 2 events to go, said all the british guys are doing well!''

World's strongest man 2009

Latest news...
SDF has the news from day 2... first event: Squat. Not only has he placed 1st in his group but our very own Laurence 'Lozza' Shalaei was the only athlete to do all the barrels! Go SHAHLAEI!