Mariusz Dances his way out of the arnold?

[Anthony Cissell]

Got it from Ironmind:


Telling IronMind that he was authorized to extend invitations to the Arnold strongman contest while he was at the Mohegan Sun Grand Prix, Odd Haugen said that Mariusz Pudzianowski had turned down the invitation . . . for a reason you might not guess.


He’s used to waltzing across the floor with four-hundred pound chunks of steel or stone in his arms, so Dancing with the Stars should be a breeze for four-time World’s Strongest Man winner Mariusz Pudzianowski. Randall J. Strossen photo.

His fans surely would enjoy seeing the four-time winner of the World’s Strongest Man contest add a victory at the Arnold to his considerable laurels, but it’s not going to happen in 2008. And why not? Mariusz is going dancing instead, as in Dancing with the Stars, Haugen said, adding that he had then also extended an invitation to Sebastian Wenta, but that he, too, had declined it

[IdrisH.]

I thought that was really weird when I first read it and I still feel the same way now. Maybe he is only choosing Dancing over Strongman this one time is because it will help his publicity slightly. I don't know, but I think he should go to Arnold.

[Ian Duggan]

I'd read on SDF about a month ago that he wouldn't be at the Arnold this year, but I didn't believe it. I guess this confirms it.

I think Mariusz's season revolves around WSM, and the Super Series events. I think secondary to that is maintaining his fame in Poland to keep his income up (can't really blame him for that) and after that comes any other events.

Plus he's doing Fortissimus this year isn't he? Maybe he see that as his one "different" strongman comp. for this season.

Shame though, only time we get to see him go against the cream of IFSA, even if it's not a normal style strongman contest.

[Brandon Lilly]

i have to say that while it is an opportunity to expand his public image, but apollo ohno was able to compete in the dancing and still pursue his world cup title in speed skating. i think derek poundstone has put some fear into him and has him re-thinking his strategy. just makes me more proud of what derek accomplished... he has gotten inside the wsm's head!!

[Kevin Cronin]

i think derek poundstone has put some fear into him and has him re-thinking his strategy. just makes me more proud of what derek accomplished... he has gotten inside the wsm's head!!

Awesome, anybody else want to psychoanalyze world-level athletes? :rolleyes:

[mark walburn]

thats why i am a good dancer, in case i become a good strongman in poland.

[jfife]

From a strictly business standpoint, I think it is great that Pudzian is doing this. Will expose strongman to an entirely different market. Namely, women. From talking w/ girls I know, they LOVE watching strongman. So more exposure is great IMO. Pudz is kinda "taking one for the team" I think.

Other cool thing is that with his athleticism and extreme flexibility, etc. he might actually be GOOD. Couple that with his work ethic-----I think it is awesome and commend him for stepping out and being able to laugh at himself.

One thing---is this going to be 'american' or a polish version?? I'm assuming american, yeah?

For those frustrated by him not doing Arnold, thinking he is avoiding Lbstone----maybe so, maybe not----but look how much this will intensify their NEXT meeting?? All-in-all, a great biz move IMO.

[Terry_hollands]

I'm pretty sure this would be money related!! If I was offered a bucket load of money to do something like that I would!! I'm sure it has nothing to do with him not winning at Mohegan sun!!

[DaneGarreau]

I would say I'm dissapointed, but I'm not.

We have allready seen that Mariusz can't win at the Arnold, or even place at that matter...might as well open up a spot for someone else.

[Terry_hollands]

I can't say I'm dissapointed as I got a call up, possibly because he is not doing it!!

[Michael Douglas - uk]

Its a shame that Marius wont be at the arnolds and that wenta has also declined an invitation. Maybe this is the start of marius considering what hes going to do after strongman.

Any ideas who will get the other spot then ? bring back Andy Bolton or Glen Ross.

[Brandon Campbell]

he getting some big bank to go dancing on TV! if i was in his shoes i would take the dancing money over the maybe I win maybe i dont arnold money. Thats just simple economics fellas.

Less work more pay, plus he will get to dance with a possible hottie for some time its win win :LOL:

[Steve Krivoshik]

Don't get me wrong, it's too bad he won't be at the Arnold, but I have to say I'm pretty pumped to see if he's got any moves. :o

[Rus Mandery]

I can't say I'm dissapointed as I got a call up, possibly because he is not doing it!!
Nice! Too bad Dancing with the Stars didn't call you Terry. I hear you move like a gazelle!

[Terry_hollands]

Nice! Too bad Dancing with the Stars didn't call you Terry. I hear you move like a gazelle!
LOL, could you imagine it!! a 400lb guy trying to learn the foxtrot!!

I'll stick with the Arnolds for this year I think!! Although we'll see if I regret that choice in a few weeks time!!

[Jared Enderton]

that sucks!!!!!!! But I am very happy to see Terry got in. good luck.

[Guillaume Dupuis]

To those of you saying he's dodging Poundstone, you must be on crack. They both qualified and will meet at WSM... remember?!?

How many viewers does WSM get? How many viewers does "dancing with the stars" get? He's a businessmen that is expanding the "Pudzianowski" brand, period.

How much money will he get at the Arnold for getting 2nd position? How much will he get in ONE TV advertizement deal here in North America... deal that would have been made easier by his presence at the DWTS TV show?

... wanna bet that most of us strongman will hear about it the next day at the office/shop from fellow workers and even the secretary that wouldn't usually give a f* about our sport?

[Michael Ambrose]

LOL, could you imagine it!! a 400lb guy trying to learn the foxtrot!!

NO NO NO... It's not the fox trot I'd be worried about you learning... it's the swing dancing... Jump to 58 seconds... picture Terry performing this move on some poor hapless woman! Or jump to the flips between 1:115 and 1:25... Why do i foresee those moves being remanded the 'Terry dame toss' :LOL: However, at 1:26 when it switches to a 'dame carry' you know who's going to win that event!

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y82S3z6sKiM&feature=related

[Terry_hollands]

NO NO NO... It's not the fox trot I'd be worried about you learning... it's the swing dancing... Jump to 58 seconds... picture Terry performing this move on some poor hapless woman! Or jump to the flips between 1:115 and 1:25... Why do i foresee those moves being remanded the 'Terry dame toss' :LOL: However, at 1:26 when it switches to a 'dame carry' you know who's going to win that event!

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y82S3z6sKiM&feature=related
Worrying you know so much about dancing!!

[Dan Harrison]

Good for Mariusz!

[Michael Ambrose]

Worrying you know so much about dancing!!

I'm as tone deaf as they come. You don't want to be anywhere near me when I sing. But brother... I do have rhythm!! :IMHO:

[Mike Landrich]

I'm not Marius' biggest fan, but even I wouldn't make the claim he's ducking anyone. He is a fierce competitor and will make an assault on WSM. Just because he's making some cash and getting publicity in the meantime doesn't mean he won't be ready to rock and roll come September.

[Mac Smith]

I think some are jumping the gun here. I believe that its the Polish version of the show considering the American show has had much bigger names from more popular sports and the olympics (Ohno was on the cover of the Wheaties box), not to mention Pudz's limited grasp of the English language. With that said, I guarantee his appearance fees alone (not considering the prize money for winning) will be more than what the winner of the Arnold will make.

So like its said in the hood..."If it don't make dollars, it don't make sense!"

Kudos to Pudz for transferring his success and popularity from strongman into the mainstream. I could see Pudz being as popular and sought after for endorsement as Peyton Manning is here...if not more.

[Piotr Jaczynski]

Mariusz and TVN (producer polish edition Dancing with The Stars) announced that decision one month ago. Dancing is not a reason not competing Arnold. It's very simple - Mariusz does not have chance to win this competition. He tried many times, when he was absolutely champion (WSM+IFSA) and he was 4th in 2003 and 5th in 2004. Pudz is very popular person in my country - he is being invited to TV on floor shows, was choosen 7th in plebiscite the best polish sportsman. He uses his popularity not only to business, but also to help disabled kids, so I have doubts that Pudzian needs carry on his image more than now.
I found Pudz's declaration that he is going to train dancing 4 hours a day, 7 times per week. How much weight will he lose? :)

Sebastian Wenta chose two events this year - Higland Games and WMS 2008. So he'll reduce to minimum his performance in another events especially Strongman Polish Cup, which is made by Pudz and Jarek Dymek.

[Brendan Merchant]

I wouldn't fancy Terry standing on my toes. A thing like that could ruin a man.

You'd only be good for appearances as a clown after a that landing on your feet.

:eek:

[Terry_hollands]

I wouldn't fancy Terry standing on my toes. A thing like that could ruin a man.

You'd only be good for appearances as a clown after a that landing on your feet.

:eek:
LOL, quite likely that would happen too, not easy to keep size 18s out of the way!!

[Ian Duggan]

LOL, quite likely that would happen too, not easy to keep size 18s out of the way!!
Size. 18s. Holy. Cow.

How do you keep them out of the way when you're walking, never mind dancing...

[jay lyttle]

it is the polish version of dancing with the stars, so it will mean nothing marketing wise here in the states. hence he must be doing it for the money seeing he is already a superstar in poland! and if he comes off good it would mean even more advertisment money for him in poland! dont think he's dodging anyone, he's won 4 WSM titles, whos he afraid of! and i believe wenta is doing dougie edmonds new version of the scottish games it is a strongman/ highland games combo, and he should do real well, some of my fellow highland game competitors have said he is very formidable in the games and we know he is in the strongman so lets see!

[Ian Duggan]

Yeah, Wenta's a thrower originally isn't he? Shot or discus I think.

That, coupled with strongman prowess, should make him quite a competitor at Dougie's new thang.

[Brandon Lilly]

i have to say that while it is an opportunity to expand his public image, but apollo ohno was able to compete in the dancing and still pursue his world cup title in speed skating. i think derek poundstone has put some fear into him and has him re-thinking his strategy. just makes me more proud of what derek accomplished... he has gotten inside the wsm's head!!

you guys have to realize i was just re-emphasizing how awesome poundstones performance was... until beaten pudzianowski is still the wsm.

[Jonathan Macfarlane]

Yeah, Wenta's a thrower originally isn't he? Shot or discus I think.

That, coupled with strongman prowess, should make him quite a competitor at Dougie's new thang.


From what I gather, he had around a 20m shot put PB, which means you're not going to win the Olympics, but you can play against anyone, anywhere.

He tossed the 16lb highland stone around 56 feet in a games last year, which was pretty much about the 2nd best throw in the world.

[DinoNick Osborne]

I have been around here, and strongman for a long time.

I am not sure how may people remember the old strongman boards, (Like diesel Power) where strongmen really posted and Chatted.

Because of infighting and people being Asses, that was taken away from the young and inexperience athletes.

I am glad everyone gets to talk with you Terry. You seem like a real nice guy, (Even Phil has said so). You interact with everyone on a personal level.

I just wanted to thank you for that. Not everyone does that. I know most of the time you don't think of yourself as a celebrity. But I am sure to a lot, if not most of the guys on here, you are.

So, Thanks, and I am glad you post here.

If this has been said before, then ignore me.

Thanks, Nick

[Piotr Jaczynski]

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Pudz got least points from jury of all participators, but he won spectators sms voting

[Jean-Charles Péronnet]

OOOOHH Man is Magdalena beautiful!

Pretty funny to see Mariusz in such a program and dancing latino style! But he rocks, and I'm sure that's a good thing for strongman. Quite a good exposure. :YR:

[James Whisman]

Thanks for posting...that was awesome

[Mike Westerling]

I have been around here, and strongman for a long time.

I am not sure how may people remember the old strongman boards, (Like diesel Power) where strongmen really posted and Chatted.

Because of infighting and people being Asses, that was taken away from the young and inexperience athletes.

I am glad everyone gets to talk with you Terry. You seem like a real nice guy, (Even Phil has said so). You interact with everyone on a personal level.

I just wanted to thank you for that. Not everyone does that. I know most of the time you don't think of yourself as a celebrity. But I am sure to a lot, if not most of the guys on here, you are.

So, Thanks, and I am glad you post here.

If this has been said before, then ignore me.

Thanks, Nick

Nicely put Nick!
This is so true! I am extremely greatful to Terry and all the pros who post here.
-Mike

[Barney Shannon]

Sometimes you just gotta dance. :cool:

[Bob Toth]

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Pudz got least points from jury of all participators, but he won spectators sms voting
Wow.. I think I would have skipped the Arnold too for a week with Magdalena.. :D

And hey.. lets see Savickas, Virastyuk or even Derek bet out on the dance floor.. lol..
I think Mariusz was pretty slick for a big guy... and maybe only Mikhail Koklyaev could challenge him on that dance floor!! :B: Or maybe Benni... he's got some slick moves before he deadlifts... :M:

[Jean-Charles Péronnet]

Yeah Mikhail moves like a teenager. Superb agility and functional strength. Maybe he wasn't aware of that program....oups, he's married !

[Steiner]

I think i would have rather seen him at the Arnold.

[Stephanie Kimball]

Yeah, I would have much rather seen him at the Arnold!!

Although, a strongman dance competition would be highly entertaining!!

[Wheeler]

Im disappointed, I would like to see him compete but like it was said earlier....money talks and sometimes you got to do what you got to do.