The Mohegan Sun 09 Prediction thread

[Jonathan Macfarlane]

Time to Fire this up, here is the competitors list from Ironmind. Poll only takes 10 people so I left Johannes Arsjo and LP Jean off the poll, leave a comment if you expect them to win. Guess the top 3 or 5 competitors or just put your winner in the poll.

Terry Hollands (UK)
Jimmy Marku (UK)
Derek Poundstone (USA)
Hugo Girard (Canada)
Travis Ortmayer (USA)
Misha Koklyaev (Russia)
Brian Shaw (USA)
Mark Felix (UK)
Boris Haraldsson (Iceland)
Sebastian Wenta (Poland)
Johannes Arsjo (Sweden)
Louis-Philippe Jean (Canada)


Event 1 - Giant Timber Frame Carry
· 750lbs (340kg) carried for 100ft (30m)
· Head to Head
· No straps – chalk only
· 60 second time limit
· All of the timber must cross the line. No Sliding allowed

Event 2 - Ironmind Appolons Axle

· Last man standing Axle (350lbs/160kg)
· Athletes start in reverse order of event one
· To be lifted from ground to overhead at arms length – in control
· Using normal Ironmind bar with opening weight of 160kg (350lbs)
· Jumps – 160, 175, 185, 195, 202.5 kg … +
· Athletes can miss rounds if desired
· Chalk only
· Athletes get 30 seconds to make the lift. If the weight hits a World record amount then the time limit is raised to 45 seconds. NOT INCLUDING CHANGEOVER TIME BETWEEN WEIGHTS
· World Record of 200kg. Bonus prize money for a new World Record – if multiple World Records are broken then the final record counts for the prize money. Or in the case of a World record draw the extra prize is split

Event 3 - Husafelt Stone Carry

· 400lbs (180kg) to be carried as far as possible
· Foot must cross the line at either end
· Weight is measured to where it hits the ground and not how far it may roll
· Head to Head
· Chalk only - NO Tacky Allowed


ATHLETE CUT occurs – cut from 12 to 8 athletes after 3 events

Event 4 - Car Deadlift For Repetitions

· 350 kilos in hand at bottom
· Side Handles 13" off floor
· Straps allowed
· Athletes will be told to start each lift and lower each lift when at the top to stop ‘Bouncing’ with the suspension.
· Time limit 60 secs – with a Honda Accord Coupe from Mohegan Sun
· Only one car


Event 5 - Giant Log Press (big wooden logs)

· For Repetitions
· Head to Head
· 315lbs (143kg)
· 12 inch diameter - 8 foot long.
· Lift is from ground to overhead (wait for signal) and then to the ground again each time
· Time Limit 60 seconds

Event 6 - Atlas Stones

· Head to head
· Heights 44 to 68 inches
· 120 To 190 kilos
· Tacky allowed - No shirt allowed
· 60 second time limit



TOP 3 ATHLETES qualify for WSM

Points are 12 down to one on each event (12 points for first)

For the final three events they are 8 to 1

[DaneGarreau]

Why is there no shirt allowed on the stones? And what is the date for this contest?

[Kevin Cronin]

Points are 12 down to one on each event (12 points for first)

For the final three events they are 8 to 1

No double points this year ...

[Jonathan Macfarlane]

I'll give my top 5, obviously a stacked field so depends on alot of things. 2 Overhead events will make it interesting. Expecting a big one from Brian Shaw, not sure how Marku will do.

1. Lbstone
2. Misha
3. Travis
4. Shaw
5. Hollands


Dark Horses: Marku, Wenta, LPJ

[Mat Maddox]

No shirt so everyone gets to see mass amounts of man boob! :FF:

[Eric Sawatzky]

1-poundstone
2-ortmayer
3-LPJ - Providing he can put it all together in a contest outside canada
4-Shaw
5-Hollands

[Brandon Smith]

Why is there no shirt allowed on the stones? And what is the date for this contest?

The way I read it is that wearing no shirt is allowed, as opposed to requiring everyone to wear a shirt for stones. I know most of the events are sponsored and usually they give the athletes a shirt for the event with the sponsor (ie Eleiko or Thule in the past).

Oh, and my top five picks...hmmm:

1. Derek Poundstone
2. Misha Koklyaev
3. Terry Hollands
4. TraviS Ortmayer
5. Brian Shaw

[Ryan Phillips]

Anyone think the 200kg mark will be broken on the axle overhead?? I'd have to say Misha is the only one who i think could come close, from what i know.

Who holds the current world record?

[Knelly]

Hey All! I think you know where my vote went! I wanted to let you know that the competitor list has changed slightly. Hugo Girard has dropped out and Gerard Benderoff is taking his place. Gerard was the alternate. I met Gerard for the first time in February and he is one of the funniest, nicest guys I have ever met! I can't wait for him to compete and I wish him the best of luck! I would like to wish all the competitors good luck and have a safe healthy competition! Also to my Derek, good luck my love! You know I will be right by your side cheering you on! I love you! :xo:

[Ryan Phillips]

Also to my Derek, good luck my love! You know I will be right by your side cheering you on! I love you! :xo:

What on earth is this forum turning into! :disgust:



haha :B:

[Vincent Dizenzo]

I sure hope Derek can introduce me to Misha :D

[kenneth nowicki]

1-poundstone
2-ortmayer
3-LPJ - Providing he can put it all together in a contest outside canada
4-Shaw
5-Hollands

No Misha in the top 5?!

My pick has to be:

1- Poundstone
2- Ortmayer
3- Misha
4/5- Hollands
4/5- Shaw

[dronga]

Anyone think the 200kg mark will be broken on the axle overhead?? I'd have to say Misha is the only one who i think could come close, from what i know.

Who holds the current world record?

Poundstone is going to take this, he repped 400 at the battle at the Barn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9rUrxVInj8 and he weighs20+ pounds heavier now.

[Ryan Phillips]

Poundstone is going to take this, he repped 400 at the battle at the Barn, and he weighs20+ pounds heavier now.

hmm i dunno man, he only managed 2 reps and missed a 3rd the other day in the gym in his training vid. so it looks like the extra weight hasn't helped him at all in the axle. i could be wrong though.

I'd say misha is gonna take this one and derek will win the log for reps...

[Corey DuCharme]

The way I read it is that wearing no shirt is allowed, as opposed to requiring everyone to wear a shirt for stones. I know most of the events are sponsored and usually they give the athletes a shirt for the event with the sponsor (ie Eleiko or Thule in the past).

Oh, and my top five picks...hmmm:

1. Derek Poundstone
2. Misha Koklyaev
3. Terry Hollands
4. TraviS Ortmayer
5. Brian Shaw

That's how I read it too.

Subsequently, I think I may agree with your top five picks so it looks like we're bff! :D

[Kevin Nee]

Why is there no shirt allowed on the stones? And what is the date for this contest?

the rule means... "no shirt" will be allowed... this is specified because some contests we have to wear shirts during stones because of sponsors paying for that particular event...

and the date is may 17th i believe...

[JohnCook]

My Top 3 are:

1.) Poundstone
2.) Misha
3.) Ortmayer


Gotta agree with the above who said Misha will likely win the Max Axle. However, like stated above, I think Derek will leave everyone in his wake on the log for reps.

[brian kling]

I'd like to see misha win. I think it will be close between him and lbstone.

[Eric Sawatzky]

No Misha in the top 5?!

My pick has to be:

1- Poundstone
2- Ortmayer
3- Misha
4/5- Hollands
4/5- Shaw

Like the thread says, predictions... and these are mine! Misha is a big threat, but i just dont see it. hopefully i be proved wrong

[Derek Poundstone]

hmm i dunno man, he only managed 2 reps and missed a 3rd the other day in the gym in his training vid. so it looks like the extra weight hasn't helped him at all in the axle. i could be wrong though.

I'd say misha is gonna take this one and derek will win the log for reps...

The filmed set was my fourth heavy set of clean and presses. I first did 385 and two prior sets of 405 for singles before the set filmed. I was purposly staying below max effort and trying to work on my speed and technique. The extra weight has helped my strength a ton, I just haven't maxed out on a single lift since adding the weight. My goal has been the record all along in addition to winning the log for reps. I've found its usually very difficult to train for a max effore lift and a lift for reps with the same body part. I think I've got it spot on and we'll find out soon enough.

I will say this, if Mish can clean over 440 lbs, he wont have a problem jerking it overhead. For him its the clean that gives him trouble. I've never seen him continental a weight and I dont think he can. I'm not sure if the Ironmind axle is a smooth axle or not but when Misha did 215 kg in Korea at 07 IFSA worlds, it was with a knurled bar like at the Arnold. to give you an idea how much of a difference this makes, my PR on my smooth bar for a straight clean is 330 lbs but at the Arnold I straight cleaned the 366 three times. The pick is higher at the Arnold but this wont account for me cleaning 36 lbs above my PR three times. Long story short, I hope its a smooth bar :D

[Steve Trippe]

Good news for you then, I'm 90% certain that the apollons axle is a polished steel finish.

If you don't mind sharing, I'd be interested in hearing how you are training for both events (reps and max). I have a hard enough time training my overhead for one quality, let alone 2...

EDIT: http://www6.mailordercentral.com/ironmind/prodinfo.asp?number=1271

[kenneth nowicki]

Ive got the Ironmind axle at the Uni gym and its a smooth bar, no knurling apart from a central strip (max 10mm thick) to show the centre if I remember correctly.

[TEXAS STONEMAN]

If you don't mind sharing, I'd be interested in hearing how you are training for both events (reps and max). I have a hard enough time training my overhead for one quality, let alone 2...



Derek doesn't share his training secrets. They are too special and scientific for you or me...:B:

On another note, I am looking forward to this contest. I have heard so many good things about it I consider it an honor to be competing!

[Steve Trippe]

On another note, I am looking forward to this contest. I have heard so many good things about it I consider it an honor to be competing!

You make it sound like you barely deserve to be there. I find that amusing really, considering you are def on the short list of people that could take this contest at a moments notice.

[Jonathan Macfarlane]

Derek doesn't share his training secrets. They are too special and scientific for you or me...:B:

On another note, I am looking forward to this contest. I have heard so many good things about it I consider it an honor to be competing!

Come on Travis, we all know you're kind of a big deal, leatherbound books.... oh wait, was that just Nee? :P

[Garrick Daft]

Misha's grip has improved tremendously... but like you said he will depend on squat cleaning the weight. His 430 at 07 IFSA Worlds seemed not difficult for him. I'm sure he is good for 440 at least. But Misha will need to be in top shape and spot on with everything, he has the Serbia SCL contest the week before (same with Travis) so who knows what type of condition he will be in. I think that Timber Carry starting out will clue us in on Misha quickly. This is Travis's 5th show in a row... and the Serbia SCL the week before should be a good warmup for Mohegan event wise, as long as it is not too grueling of a contest with maximum exertion.

The Slater Axle that Steve Slater made for the Fortissimus contest (not sure if being used in Mohegan Sun).... it is a very beautiful piece of equipment. It weighs 366lbs as is with the steel wheels on it and the bar is TOTALLY SMOOTH... it will be very tough and demanding on the grip. The wheels are attached in a way that makes them able to be locked or unlocked depending on what you want. Extremely nice piece of equipment as always.

I have not seen the Slater Timbers yet... but they are around 750-800 lbs, and basically Steve said to imagine the logs of a wood cabin and that is how it looks and is made of. It will be plate loadable so that the weight can be adjusted as the wood dries out.

This is gonna be a great contest and warmup for Fortissimus. This will be a tough win for someone, cause I'm sure it will be a bloodbath all night!!!

[BradyJones]

watch misha SMOKE a 200 kg axle....

[Terry_hollands]

Am I wrong in thinking the bar used at the IFSA worlds was not a 2" bar?? I believe the old IFSA axle was only just thicker than a normal bar, could be wrong though!

IMO it is gonna be Derek's contest in the bag but which such a strong lineup anything can happen!! only one mistake and you could be punished!!

[Ryan Phillips]

yeh i gotta agree with Terry.

if everyone competes at their best then derek will come out on top. but if he has a tiny slip up somewhere and misha or travis compete at their best, they will take it from him. So its pretty much derek's contest to lose...

[Karl Gillingham]

Am I wrong in thinking the bar used at the IFSA worlds was not a 2" bar?? I believe the old IFSA axle was only just thicker than a normal bar, could be wrong though!

You are right Terry. It was closer to the thickness of the Arnold Axle. Not as thick as an Ironmind Apollon's axle.

[Corey DuCharme]

IMO it is gonna be Derek's contest in the bag but which such a strong lineup anything can happen!! only one mistake and you could be punished!!

You're not allowed to talk like that when you're competing!!!!! :D

No, seriously, Derek is the man to beat. I know you are a humble man, and I respect that. I'm also sure that you are going out there to win, and we are all going to be impressed by your performance now that you're back on track.

[Terry_hollands]

i'm always realistic about my abilities. I know my limitations and strong points. The events are not great for me. The axle will really hurt my chances to be honest. Also the side handle deadlift is not ideal, i feel they really favour the shorter guys. I will be giving it everything on every event and hopefully things go my way. I have 2 great events in stones and frame carry, 3 pretty good and one terrible in the axle. It is a very strong lineup and you can't get away with having any weak event in that field.

[Corey DuCharme]

i'm always realistic about my abilities. I know my limitations and strong points. The events are not great for me. The axle will really hurt my chances to be honest. Also the side handle deadlift is not ideal, i feel they really favour the shorter guys. I will be giving it everything on every event and hopefully things go my way. I have 2 great events in stones and frame carry, 3 pretty good and one terrible in the axle. It is a very strong lineup and you can't get away with having any weak event in that field.

I hear you, and those are good points, but like you said (not in so many words)

YOU'RE A WARRIOR OUT FOR BLOOD!!!

(sorry, I don't get out much) :D

[Derek Poundstone]

As far as being picked as being a favorite, I appreciate the sentiment but I think there are far to many great athletes to call this one in the bag. I really appreciate the sentiment but I've seen such insane training vids form so many guys lately, I've been punishing myself knowing there's always someone out there training harder!!

As far as the IFSA Axle, it was a bit thinner then the Appolons at the Arnold and also knurled. THis is the point I'm trying to make about straight cleaning the smooth 2" Ironmind axle, it will be an insane feat to powerclean 200 kgs and I hope Misha gets it and more. I want to be apart of such a strength feat!!

Here's some cool facts about the casino for those that arn't aware of its magnatude
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohegan_Sun (did you know its the 2nd largest casino in the world?)

Now its off to the gym to go Deadlift my car :BB:

[Ryan Phillips]

Now its off to the gym to go Deadlift my car :BB:


Thats one of the coolest things i've ever heard!

If misha cleans a 200kg smooth axle, that would have to be one of the craziest feats of strength ever done!!

[Garrick Daft]

Just read on Ironmind http://www.ironmind.com/ironcms/morenewsv6.php?id=2982#2982 that it looks like the IFSA Apollon's records set in 2007 Worlds do not count towards a true Apollons Axle lift due to differences in how the bar was manufactured. So Zydrunas's 200kg (440lb) Axle Press is not the WR and Ryan Bakke's 185kg (405lb) Axle Press is. Interesting turn of events. I have no doubt that Zydrunas would have the Apollon's World Record had he been using a recognized bar. Zydrunas asked that the weight for the Arnolds be moved up to 400lb Apollons Axle for reps!! It would be interesting to hear his take on this matter. As far as the 405 WR going down at the Mohegan.... seems like it is pretty much certain. The question is who? Misha is able to reverse grip squat clean so if he can get the weight to his shoulders he is good for at least 405, Derek reps 400 in training!, and Brain Shaw hit 395 at the Fit Expo... Travis has a great shot at 395 - 405, LP Jean has a great shot also as he is a great presser... and last but not least, the guy people might be forgetting about is Sebastian Wenta. He has an incredible overhead press so watch out for him! Should be fun, can't wait!!

[TEXAS STONEMAN]

Screw that crap Garrick! Zydrunas' record is the real axle record as far as the athletes are concerned so therefore it counts!! It's also way harder to continental since the middle is smooth stainless steel.

Anyway, I just had to mention that while the rest of you sissies were out training hard for this competition I have been competing! I have logged about 30,000 miles and 4 competitions/exhibitions getting ready for this... :BP: :EB:

Hahaha, just stirring things up a bit. I can't wait to see everyone up there this weekend; fans, friends, and competitors alike! And I apologize (not really) if my previous statement came across a bit rude. I just got back from the hardest travel I have had in years- Serbia- which was actually a beautiful place with great fans, and I am a little delirious... :xo:

[ColtonRahav]

1. Ortmayer
2. Misha
3. poundstone
4. hollands
5. shaw

[DaveMihalov]

Derek hands down. I know I train with him but his event work is out of this world right now, esp the Mohegan Sun events which I trained with him on Sat. This is 100% his contest to lose, but that ain't goin to happen :EL:

[Terry_hollands]

Screw that crap Garrick! Zydrunas' record is the real axle record as far as the athletes are concerned so therefore it counts!! It's also way harder to continental since the middle is smooth stainless steel.

Anyway, I just had to mention that while the rest of you sissies were out training hard for this competition I have been competing! I have logged about 30,000 miles and 4 competitions/exhibitions getting ready for this... :BP: :EB:

Hahaha, just stirring things up a bit. I can't wait to see everyone up there this weekend; fans, friends, and competitors alike! And I apologize (not really) if my previous statement came across a bit rude. I just got back from the hardest travel I have had in years- Serbia- which was actually a beautiful place with great fans, and I am a little delirious... :xo:

I hope you're not too burnt out Travis!! You're gonna need to be 100%!!!:D:

[Derek Poundstone]

Derek hands down. I know I train with him but his event work is out of this world right now, esp the Mohegan Sun events which I trained with him on Sat. This is 100% his contest to lose, but that ain't goin to happen :EL:

Thanks Dave! BTW, I had another event day on Monday too, ran through 4 of the 5 events with Andrew and PR'ed on two events! ;)