Fortissimus 2008: The Tale Of The Tape

[Paul E Ohl]

FORTISSIMUS 2008 is now history. And history is also the main story. Here is the official call and the tale of the tape.

* For the first time since 1077 ( first ever WSM), a two-day competition ran a challenge of 10 events consisting of 12 disciplines;

* FORTISSIMUS acounted for the heaviest total lifting poundage over a two-day competition with 14 475 lbs ( 6580 kg);

* It ran the all-time heaviest overhead contest ( 11 lifts -one arm and two arms) with a total poundage of 2700 lbs ( 1227 kg);

* It ran the heaviest combined stone lifting ( Atlas stones and natural stones) event consisting of 8 stones with a total poundage pf 2767 lbs ( 1258 kg).

FORTISSIMUS 2008 accounted for a total attendance of 3454 spectators.

FORTISSIMUS 2008 is reviewing four events in order to certify world records.

[Mark A Cummings]

Good job Paul! I know I'm planning on attending next year! Sorry that I missed it this year!

[Victor Cleere]

Hmmmm....those are some pretty big numbers you are claiming. I am afraid I will have to see the DVD of the event before totally believing you. :T:

Seriously, any word on when a DVD of the event may be coming out?

[Paul E Ohl]

Hello Victor. Don't doubt the figures one minute. Derek, Zydrunas and the others will testify that all the implements were weighted in and the poundages all certified. We had to be up to par with this competition.

DVD will be produced right after the TV production ( 5 x 30 mins ) will be completed. The deadline for that one is September 10.

FORTISSIMUS has already received emails and tel calls by the dozens from the USA and Europe about such a DVD being made available.

[Steve Trippe]

Paul,

Great job with the contest. I also think that with all the work you're already putting into 2009 that this will continue to be a great competition. With all the work you've put in, it would be tough to fail.

I do have to ask though, what's with the "total poundages". I think most people know how arbitrary these numbers in (relative to different lifts, volume vs intensity, etc) and I wonder why you keep promoting this as part of the contest. It might be just me, but I don't think you need to talk about "total poundage accumulated" to keep people interested, they will see the events and weights and will go from there. As long as the contest is sound, fans will be interested.

[Paul E Ohl]

Good question Steve. It has nothing to do with a gadget meant to attract or interest people. It all comes down to what strength is all about.
As we had said from the beginning, we made a commitment to link this competition with the roots of strongman. And it was all about "total poundage".
You have surely noted that we had no pulling event, or flipping, or arm over arm pull, or tossing for that matter. These events are hard to figure per strict value.
Should you wish to compare with, say the WSM finals from 2000 to 2007, you will find that by poundage comparison, WSM stands at an average of 9 200 pounds for a TV /competition that suposedly decides of the World Strongest Man whereas FORTISSIMUS 2008 was up by 46 %. I would think that this helps put things in perspective.

[Andrew Joakim]

Is this going to be broadcasted on TSN/RDS?

[Steve Trippe]

Should you wish to compare with, say the WSM finals from 2000 to 2007, you will find that by poundage comparison, WSM stands at an average of 9 200 pounds for a TV /competition that suposedly decides of the World Strongest Man whereas FORTISSIMUS 2008 was up by 46 %. I would think that this helps put things in perspective.

I understand what you are saying, but there are trade-offs to this approach. Higher volume means less weight per implement, and more of a conditioning contest. I think few would argue that Lbstone is usually one of the best conditioned athletes in this sport, while Big Z is known to be one of the strongest statically. Mariusz is known for his athleticism and speed, while Misha is known for his technical proficiency. Fortissiumus had events that tested all these things, no doubt, but when you start pushing volume poundages on people, it makes it seem like you are trying to be a volume based contest. I'd say let the fans look at the events and make the determination for themselves. When the events for Fort '08 were first posted, everyone on here knew it would be a beast of a contest just to get through, without totalling weights.

Again, just my take, I'm probably in the minority, and I think overall you did a great job and your work has helped our sport.

[Paul F.X. Armstrong]

FORTISSIMUS 2008 is now history. And history is also the main story. Here is the official call and the tale of the tape.

* For the first time since 1077 ( first ever WSM), a two-day competition ran a challenge of 10 events consisting of 12 disciplines;

* FORTISSIMUS acounted for the heaviest total lifting poundage over a two-day competition with 14 475 lbs ( 6580 kg);

* It ran the all-time heaviest overhead contest ( 11 lifts -one arm and two arms) with a total poundage of 2700 lbs ( 1227 kg);

* It ran the heaviest combined stone lifting ( Atlas stones and natural stones) event consisting of 8 stones with a total poundage pf 2767 lbs ( 1258 kg).

FORTISSIMUS 2008 accounted for a total attendance of 3454 spectators.

FORTISSIMUS 2008 is reviewing four events in order to certify world records.


Great contest paul.
Good work.

[Kÿle Vezeau]

Total poundage was how early contests from the late 19th and early 20th century where measured. I think this is why Paul has an affinity for them.