Fortissimus 2009

[Brandon R.]

“The debriefing of FORTISSIMUS 2008 was almost as long as day two of the competition,” Paul Ohl told IronMind, and this is hardly an exaggeration - the meeting lasted five and a half hours, as the FORTISSIMUS Steering Committee, “reviewed all aspects of this year's event, made note of the comments of the competitors and from some experts in the field.”

http://www.ironmind.com/ironmind/opencms/system/galleries/ironmind/fortlogoblack_lg.jpg (http://www.ironmind.com/ironmind/opencms/system/galleries/ironmind/fortlogoblack_lg.jpg)
FORTISSIMUS will be back with a new name, new location, and more money in 2009. Logo courtesy of FORTISSIMUS WORLD STRENGTH.

Here is the official statement:

“- FORTISSIMUS will be back in 2009;"

"- The organization, whose full name will be FORTISSIMUS WORLD STRENGTH, has given itself an enlarged mandate which will include close cooperation with American, European and Australian strongman organizations, promotion efforts that will reach the world strength community and a more specific involvement within the Canadian territory;”

“-FORTISSIMUS 2009 will be tailored to become the greatest challenge of strength ever and the winner will be recognized as THE STRONGEST MAN ON EARTH;”

“- FORTISSIMUS 2009 will showcase ten events over two consecutive days. Although the core of the competition will remain untouched, 40 % of this year's events will be reshaped or changed. The venue will be moved to a new location, the latter offering a hard and even surface.”

“- FORTISSIMUS 2009 will invite 12 competitors along the following guidelines:

* Top 2 from FORTISSIMUS 2008 guaranteed;
* Top 2 from STRONGMAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE guaranteed;
* Top 2 from TWI WORLD’s STRONGEST MAN guaranteed;”
* Top 2 from 2009 ARNOLD STRONGMAN CLASSIC guaranteed;
* Winner of 2008 AMERICA's STRONGEST MAN guaranteed;
* Top Canadian from FORTISSIMUS 2008 guaranteed;
* Two spots to be decided based on the athletes' 2009 track record;
* Two wild cards”

“- FORTISSIMUS 2009 will increase the prize money by at least 20 %.”

“- FORTISSIMUS WORLD STRENGTH will remain a non-profit organization. As from August 1st, 2008, it will overseer FORTISSIMUS 2009, FORTISSIMUS CANADA, FORTISSIMUS MULTI MEDIA and FORTISSIMUS HALL OF FAME.”


This looks to be amazing if this year was any example.

[Karl Gillingham]

This is great to see! Pro contests of this quality have been very limited. Now we have the Arnold & Fortissimus joining the WSM TV Show as the big three.

[Matt Lebo]

I'd love to see it televised!

[Ryan Carey]

Its really nice to see the sport of strongman growing. Very Promising.

[Paul E Ohl]

Coming from Karl Gillingham the statement has to be taken seriously. The man has paid his dues and his track record speaks for itself.

Thank you sir for the fine words. FORTISSIMUS had to fight its way through hell and high waters in order to showcase an all-inclusive competition of the sort.

I must say that we had sought right from the start close cooperation with all parties involved in Strongman sport. And we owe a great deal to Derek Poundstone and Zydrunas Savickas. Both men have stood behind their commitment from start to end.

To tell it as it was, we have found greater support in the USA and in Europe than on home grounds. But that is the way the ball bounces.

The very important thing is that FORTISSIMUS will play it so to deserve to be a part of the Triple Crown. Our motto is and will be : ATHLETES FIRST !

[davebeers]

Paul,
How about having an amateur "fortissimus" the day before the pro show. Lighter weights of course but it would be alot of fun to come up and compete against other amateurs and be a part of one of the biggest competitions in the world.

[Steve Trippe]

Paul,
How about having an amateur "fortissimus" the day before the pro show. Lighter weights of course but it would be alot of fun to come up and compete against other amateurs and be a part of one of the biggest competitions in the world.

I like it. Maybe a LW contest, too. It might attract people that otherwise wouldn't have attended. I find it easier to justify travel for competition as opposed to traveling to spectate, so this would give people like me the excuse needed to make the trip.

[Joshua Davis]

I like it. Maybe a LW contest, too. It might attract people that otherwise wouldn't have attended. I find it easier to justify travel for competition as opposed to traveling to spectate, so this would give people like me the excuse needed to make the trip.
You mean to tell me lightweights compete too?

:FF:

[Stu Christensen]

To tell it as it was, we have found greater support in the USA and in Europe than on home grounds. But that is the way the ball bounces.

I'd like more clarification on what this means...I'm from Saskatchewan (as are a few of the top strongmen in the country) and think this contest was fantastic and I would have loved to go but had newborn baby and couldn't travel.

Paul??

[Paul E Ohl]

Stu, this has nothing to do with public support. We had plenty. Plus great attendance from as far as France and UK.
Put it this way: when we invited Zydrunas Savickas, Andrus Murumets, Micha Koklyaev, even Derek Poundstone, rumors had it that we had suspicious minds. Not easy in Québec to break things open, especially in Strongman. As it seems, it belongs to one party alone.
Now when you dare speak and act as a non-profit org, that sends one clear message: the money goes where it shouln't...to the athletes first ! So it did, and we are damn proud of that.

[Stu Christensen]

Stu, this has nothing to do with public support. We had plenty. Plus great attendance from as far as France and UK.
Put it this way: when we invited Zydrunas Savickas, Andrus Murumets, Micha Koklyaev, even Derek Poundstone, rumors had it that we had suspicious minds. Not easy in Québec to break things open, especially in Strongman. As it seems, it belongs to one party alone.
Now when you dare speak and act as a non-profit org, that sends one clear message: the money goes where it shouln't...to the athletes first ! So it did, and we are damn proud of that.
Paul, I'm picking up what you're laying down. Totally understand, and know exactly what you mean. I agree, its hard to get people to sometimes understand that the promoter doesn't need to make 10k off a contest.

Thanks.

[chrisklavette]

I'm from Saskatchewan

You're a Sasquatch? I know a lot of people who want your picture.

Paul, Poundstone and Savickas are already in. What happens if Poundstone wins WSM '08, Savickas wins Strongman Champions League and Poundstone or Savickas win the Arnold. Will the number of competitors be smaller due to one person taking up multiple invites or will you be expanding the wild card invites?

[Steve Trippe]

You mean to tell me lightweights compete too?

:FF:

When we're not carrying your bags.

[Paul Marsland]

This is great news, much as i enjoy WSM I think in latter years its lost its way and became more focused on what it should look like on TV.

The likes of the Arnold set a new standard in strongman in terms of the lifts and weights used ie the hummer tire deadlift, visually its amazing for all to watch even those not into strongman, so with this is mind I think fortisimuss may even break new ground in terms of events, with things like the the Louis Cyr stone. More important than this is the athletes are justly rewarded for their efforts and in term this brings more people into the sport and hence it grows.

Being a brit its just a shame that all the best contest are held so bloody far away, maybe I can convice the girlfriend that we need a nice holiday in Canada next year.... ;)

[Paul E Ohl]

Chris, you ask what happens if one athlete qualifies more than once, giving Zydrunas and Derek as examples.

Well we don't run on a smaller number. We take the runner-ups to start with. With the Strongman Champions League we have a signed agreement that says the top 3. So will it be. Since Zydrunas is already in given his second place at FORTISSIMUS 2008, should he end up no 1 for the year , we go for no2 to 4. Same for the 2009 Arnold's etc.

[Jonathan Macfarlane]

Paul, can I clarify regarding the Australian Hercules competition in 2009? Is there a guaranteed spot for the winner of that competition (as in ASM, Arnolds etc), or will they be given priority entry to Fortissimus 09 at your managements decision?

[Paul E Ohl]

Jonathan, we have an agreement with Aussie Power. The winner is to be invited at FORTISSIMUS 2009.
Bill Lyndon has agreed to that and, unless there is a problem of unknown nature we will stick with the mutual commitment. Greetings.

[Garrick Daft]

Paul, I noticed World Records posted on Ironmind news. I was wondering if the back/ hand and thigh lift could also be considered for a WR. Zydrunas and Derek tied in this event, but could they both share the WR? What was the previous WR in the hand and thigh lift, 1900lbs? I know yours was a different lift though, right, kind of a hybrid of the two (back lift, hand and thigh lift).

Just wondering.

Also, will Fortissimus 2009 still be heavily Louis Cyr focused, or will it include events that honor other legends. i.e. a Bill Kazmaier coin deadlift would be cool!! ;)

The contest was excellent in every way, you really did a great job with everything, and it showed by the crowd staying and growing the entire 16 hours!! :mag:

[Paul E Ohl]

Hello Garrick. Good observations since you were a very involved witness of some astounding performances.

We are still considering the "Hip and Tigh Lift" from a WR potential. We have reasonable doubts. And since a WR has to be without any possible doubt from a historical and statistical point of view, we will not certify the lifts of 2800 lbs accomplished by both Zydrunas and Derek. Which doesn't mean that by FORTISSIMUS 2009 it could be a different matter.

As far as I can tell you at this moment, FORTISSIMUS 2009 will not be "heavily focused" on Louis Cyr's type of events. Which does not mean that we will ignore them. Remember that we have announced that we will issue a challenge that will crown "the Strongest Man on Earth". We will need to call it above and beyond any other competition to meet that challenge...and we will. As we have already taken into account the feedbacks of most of the participants.

Good idea to look at some feats accomplished by such legends as Kaz. We are making up a preliminary list including Paul Anderson, Magnus Ver Magnusson, Herman Goerner, Charles Rigoulot, to name a few.

Would be nice to read suggestions from serious contributors.

[Steve Trippe]

Would be nice to read suggestions from serious contributors.

Well members of this forum would love to see Jesse honored, but I doubt a 20 rep squat competition would have much place in your contest.

[Garrick Daft]

Well, aside from the Bill Kazmaier silver coin deadlift,..

I would think a Zydrunas Savickas max overhead log press would be cool...sure Zydrunas wouldn't mind either. Derek Poundstone just hit an almost strict 400lb log overhead and is climbing fast. Jason Kristal has the USA record at 420 I believe...Andrus Murumets has a 420, Zydrunas wants to press a 485...what better place then Fortissimus...

Is it too early to already be excited about a contest taking place a year from now...lol :LOL: guess that's a good thing.

Paul have you ever been to the Arnold Classic?

[chrisklavette]

Derek Poundstone just hit an almost strict 400lb log overhead and is climbing fast.
Does anyone have a video of this?

[Paul E Ohl]

Garrick, I never attended the Arnold's if this is the question. But I have made thorough analyses of all the Arnold's since 2002.

I am quite familiar with the evolution of the events and the reasons behind such evolution.

Of course I do not get the rational behind all these moves but I sort of understand the switch from the Inch dumbbell to the Circus-type dumbbell as an example.

I am not a fan of the extra-long and flexible bar that comes with the Hummer wheels deadlift although I understand that this is a spectacular way to hit the over-1000lbs.

Not quite sure I get the idea of a ramp for the timber walk. But I understand the rare challenge that it generates.

As for the Stones, no doubt that it is a spectacular event...

All in all, the Arnold's has become a reference over the years. And from the statements of such experts as Kaz, Dr Todd, Dr Edmunds, it globally symbolizes extreme brute strength.

[Garrick Daft]

Paul, yeah I was just wondering if you had ever attended. Maybe the 2009 Arnold you will!

Terry Todd has made an amazing replica of the Apollon's Wheels, truly is the most menacing Axle I've ever seen. It is unbelievable how Zydrunas, Andrus, Mikhail, Siders and others just manhandle this implement. Andrus Murumets power cleaned al the reps he performed... showing just how world class his grip is. I think the replica was made be Eleiko.

Eleiko made that Hummer Tire DL bar also. It is very impressive to see the large tires on the bar...and even though it bends slightly...Mr. Todd does not allow DL suits to be worn by the athletes...which adds more to the difficulty.

You did an excellent job having the replicas made of the inch DBs and the Sigmarsson DL. The Barrell Yoke was great too!

Here is another thought of an event to put in the pile being considered so to speak.

The Harness Lift... I think Marx is the guy known for being strongest with it?

[Jason Alencewicz]

squats for reps, 400-500 pounds w/ a 120 second time limit. ass has to touch something below parellel for the rep to count ... no suits.

[MarshallWhite]

squats for reps, 400-500 pounds w/ a 120 second time limit. ass has to touch something below parellel for the rep to count ... no suits.
Not heavy enough.

[Paul E Ohl]

Thanks Garrick for the compliments. Let me correct one thing: the dumbbells were not replicas of the Inch, they were replicas of Louis Cyr's own, as they lay in the Museum. We had a mold made and they were casted at the Laurierville foundry on specs.
As for the Apollon Axle, one has to go back to the INS ( Institut National des Sports) in Paris, France, to measure the original. As it dates circa 1890, one has to consider the type of wheels that had been used( 26 inches in diameter) along with the axle ( 1,93 inches) and consider that Rigoulot ( France) and Schemansky (USA) did clean that piece with the proper overhand grip back in 1930 and 1954. John Davis did it in 1947 but switched grip midway as most strongmen still di nowadays.

Jason we will not ask Tom Platz to give us a run at a 20 x 500 lbs squat !!!

[Garrick Daft]

oops! I meant to say the Cyr Dumbbells...!

As for squats... you could have a squat for max weight, but have it be the early WSM type one where all the very cute Quebec ladies can stand on a platform and the athletes squat down and up going for max weight. Winner gets a date with the lady of his choice!! haha...


some picture you might like..

[Paul E Ohl]

Garrick this is one fabulous photo. You have it all: the win, the flag, the Man and the trophy.
It would be a step forward if the organizers would promote a logo that would illustrate what it all is about : ARNOLD'S STRONGMAN CLASSIC.
Just a word about the trophy. The first generation of this trophy had been advertised some 20 years ago in all of Weider's magazines. It was part of a collection along with Arthur Saxon, Eugen Sandow and a replica of what was meant to be Conan. You could order them at a retail price between $ 750 and $ 900. They were not part of a limited edition. So one can expect that hundreds of fans bought them then.
Wonder if some of our members remember these facts. By the way, governor Arnold has one of them on his working desk.
Please read the story about the two sculptures awarded, one ( the Sandow) to the winner of the Mr Olympia contest since 1977, the other ( Louis Cyr) awarded to the winner of Fortissimus, starting in 2008. See: www.forticyr.com/ news/ Louis Cyr and Eugen Sandow

[Mark A Cummings]

How about the old Back Lift? Think Louis Cyr hit 4,337lbs? And then Paul Anderson was reported to hit 6,270lbs? I think I'm at least close. Would be interesting to see what today's Pros could do with a proper Back Lift apparatus.

[Paul E Ohl]

Mark, the Back Lift is one touchy event. It has to do with the fact that it was altered over the years. Yes it is considered as an old-time event, some will say "stunt". And it raised a lot of controversy.
The man who popularised the Back Lift was indeed Louis Cyr. His lift had to meet some requirements as it was part of a strongman act although he used it in competition. One, the lift had to be clear from the thrustles ( at least five inches); two, the weight had to be supported for at least five seconds; three, depending of the place and the occasion, Louis Cyr used "human weight" or, in the case of a competition, iron stacks.
The 4337 lbs lift was done at the Austin and Stones Museum in Boston, May 25, 1895. Details were published in the Boston newspapers then.
Other famous Back Lifts were also reported: Henry Holtgrewe, from Cincinnati, nearly 4000 lbs in 1907; F.B. Franks, in New Orleans, in 1924, 3788 lbs. And, in modern era, the over 6000 lbs "quick lift", by Paul Anderson, on June 12, 1957, in Toccoa, Georgia.
This is were the problem lies: today, a successful Back Lift cannot be seen by the naked eye as the "rule- whoever makes it" says that: a good lift is considered one where the evidence shows that the "weight has moved upward even for a 1/100 of a second". The reason why they put license plates at the four corners and, if they can be withdrawn in that split of a second...good lift !!!
At FORTISSIMUS 2008, we had the Hip and Thigh Lift as one event. It was somewhat related to the Back Lift. Both Zydrunas Savickas and Derek Poundstone succeeded with 2800 lbs. At 3000 lbs they both bowed out and called it for next year.
That said and explained, we will tend to avoid the controversy. If we would call it by Louis Cyr's standards, my call is that nobody will exceed 3000 lbs... and I am being optimistic.

[Garrick Daft]

Paul,

I was looking through the History of Records on the Fortissimus page. It is great that you provide access to that information.

Just wanted to write some information for you to consider

Bill Kazmaier is the first and only athlete to win both a Strongman and Powerlifting World Championship title. 2 IPF World Titles (79, 83) and 3 WSM World Titles (80, 81, 82)... A 5 year stranglehold on the strength world..

The history page has Jon Pall Sigmarsson as the first to load all 5 McGlashen (Atlas) Stones in contest... however I think that Bill Kazmaier was the first to do so.

Also, Bill Kazmaier has done the Louis Cyr Crucifix hold with 89lbs in one hand and 101 in the other..for a total of 190lbs.

Also, he was the first to eat 1000 goldfish in one sitting..haha

Bill has completed many more feats of strength as I'm sure you know, but those particularly are impressive, as with the ones you already have listed.

In many ways, Bill Kazmaier, considering his ability to be dominant in Highland Games, Strongman, Powerlifting....... is a top 2 contender for the Strongest Man of all Time... with Zydrunas Savickas being the only athlete able to challenge Kazmaier.

What do you think?

[Paul E Ohl]

Good work Garrick. You have us both digging in deep...As for the MacGlashen ( Atlas) Stones, Jon Pall Sigmarsson was the first strongman to lift and place all five stones under the 25 seconds time barrier; in fact, in 24:47 seconds in 1988.
As for Kaz' crucifix he explained to me where and how it was done; as a matter of fact on a Montreal TV show. I will not argue on the poundage but I have to tell you that the way the lift was executed had to do with a fly motion. Cyr's crucifix was an absolute hold out for 10 seconds: 97,5 lbs in the right hand, 88,5 lbs in the left hand.
The strongest man of all times ? You will have to consider four men in no particular order: Paul Anderson, Bill Kazmaier, Louis Cyr and Zydrunas Savickas. From there let's line up the criterias, the feats, the records, the duration, etc. It may be a long debate and, maybe, the never-ending story. And let Zydrunas go for the full run as he has not yet ended his competitive years.

[Garrick Daft]

Kazmaier did 6 reps I believe with that Crucifix.... I am not sure how long he held each rep in the Crucifix pattern.

As for the McGlashen... I think the more significant record is who was the first to load all 5 stones, not who did it faster...

Also, a significant accomplishment and record that has never been achieved again is the fact that Kazmaier holds both Powerlifting and Strongman world championships.

Vasyl Virastyuk is the first, (sadly maybe the last due to the current IFSA situation) strongman to have won both a WSM and IFSA World Championship.

Steve MacDonald is the first athlete to lift an Atlas stone over 520 lbs in competition....522lbs at the Arnold 07.

Kazmaier also is the first to barbell curl 440lbs, he pressed a pair of 155 dumbbells for 10 reps, 165 pair for 5, Front raise and hold 210lbs for 6 reps.. Seated barbell press 448 for 3 reps. First to lift the 286 lb stone overhead. Pinch gripped two 45s and cleaned to his shoulder..

Kazmaier was maybe the most well-rounded strength athlete of all time. It is probably the single worst moment in strength history when he was not invited to compete in the WSM after 82.... as you said let Zydrunas finish his competitive run.

[Paul E Ohl]

Let us have David Webster sort out the MacGlashen Stones issue. When and where. However, Sigmarsson has to be credited for the fastest time. That is documented.
As for Bill Kazmaier, I am a Kaz fan. Yet, I need places, dates and specs on all the feats you are putting up, and, for that matter, on any reported feat. But the most important thing would be a biography of Bill Kazmaier. He surely deserves one. Maybe there is one that I have not found yet...
As for the situation with IFSA, what are we talking about here ? Are you saying that IMG/TWI are not in a situation where they can invite, as they should do , Zydrunas Savickas, Vasyl Virastyuk, Mikhail Koklyaev, Andrus Murumets, Ervin Katona and at least three other strength athletes that have earned a shot at WSM.
To tell you how it is, Derek Poundstone, Travis Ortmayer and the best of the crop this side of the Atlantic deserve better.

[Garrick Daft]

Let us have David Webster sort out the MacGlashen Stones issue. When and where. However, Sigmarsson has to be credited for the fastest time. That is documented.
As for Bill Kazmaier, I am a Kaz fan. Yet, I need places, dates and specs on all the feats you are putting up, and, for that matter, on any reported feat. But the most important thing would be a biography of Bill Kazmaier. He surely deserves one. Maybe there is one that I have not found yet...

Hey Paul,

I am working on getting the specifics you ask for. It would be nice to have JOSH THIGPEN post here and verify some of the stuff... as he is a bona-fide Kazmaier expert in many ways!

The McGlashen Stone record would be cool to have Webster sort it out.

Also the IFSA thing, I was just referring to the IFSA being kinda gone now... no mention of an IFSA World Championships is there. I don't know how the discussions between SCL and WSM people are going... I heard that Ervin Katona might be heading to WSM. It has been mentioned that Zydrunas even if invited may not go for some reason. I hope that Andrus goes, it would be nice to see him again, he is a great guy and a powerful athlete. Sucks that he injured his back at Fortissimus, cause he was headed to a 3rd place podium finish. I'm sure he would have blistered that Cyr Farmers event. I think that was the first time in history that the 2 greatest grips in Strongman have gone head to head on a farmers event... and poor Andrus wasn't able to go do to his back.. oh well always another day to see them go at it hopefully..

Later