Svend leaving IFSA? Retiring?

[lhprop1]

From Ironmind: http://www.ironmind.com/morenews.php?id=1400#1400

With rumors flying that Svend Karlsen is the latest strongman to leave IFSA, IronMind has received an official statement directly from Mr. Karlsen, which should clarify both his current status and his plans for 2006

Svend Karlsen, the man who has made “Viking Power” a familiar cry and a popular cheer at top strongman contests around the world, told IronMind that he has not yet made up his mind about whether he's competing next year. Photo courtesy of Svend Karlsen.

Svend Karlsen told IronMind, "I have not joined Super Series and left IFSA. I have not made up my mind yet if I will compete at all for next year! I feel old. I will compete in Poland at the World vs. Poland [competition] on December 10th, because I want to meet my best friend Jarek Dymek and because I can't compete in St. Maarten because of personal matters!"

There you have it - straight from the source.



Personally, Svend has always been one of my favorites. I know he's getting old, but I still think he has a few good years left in him. I'd hate to see him retire.

[Jesse Marunde]

but the event in Poland is non-IFSA. wouldn't that violate his contract with IFSA? I will be competing there. I didn't even know Svend was going to be on my team. SWEET!!!

Jesse

[Joshua Davis]

I didn't think there was too much exclusivity with IFSA, just they don't want anyone involved in Super Series.

I would love to see him get involved in Super Series... or at least stick around to do the next couple of Arnold Classics. He always shines when he competes in static-heavy shows.

[Luke Paskins]

I personally think he has another few years in him: it's more a question of desire than physicality. Magnus Ver Magnussun and Odd Haugen and Raimons Bergmanis prove that age is not a huge factor.

[DaneGarreau]

He has a few years left in him, and he is still one of the best strongmen in the game right now. Having said that, he has had a lot of injuries and is getting older, I don't think we will ever see him in championship form again.

[Tom Bebb]

He cant decide whether he wants to compete or not, maybe it motivation thats in the way and not his age?

[ScottDowney]

I heard from a damn good source that hes been thinking about going back into powerlifting....either way I wish him the best of luck....especially if he teams with King Jess in poland ;)