Fortissimus... A parting of the ways

[Justin Ely]

As taken from Ironmind.com. A couple questions I will have.

1) Will the DVD come out this year? ( it's on RDS/TSN, so hopefully )
2) Will there be a competition next year? ( I've been to the first two, and would like to continue )

Hopefully, everything gets sorted out and works out well for the competitors, fans, Mr. Ohl and all associated.


***********************
Fortissimus: A Parting of the Ways
by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind

No longer a private matter, the split between Fortissimus and Canada World Strength is now public record, with Paul Ohl presenting his side to the local press in Quebec.

Canada World Strength has not yet responded publicly, but it is expected to do so.

As IronMind understands it:

1. Paul Ohl owns the name Fortissimus.
2. Canada World Strength paid Paul Ohl a licensing fee for use of the name Fortissimus and hired him as a consultant.
3. The common goal was to put on the big strongman contest in Montmagny, Quebec.

Disagreements arose over various matters, and the result now appears to be a parting of the ways: Paul Ohl leaves with the name (Fortissimus) and the knowledge that he gave the concept of a major strongman contest a concrete form, while Canada World Strength leaves owning the equipment and, apparently, a history of raising the money and developing the infrastructure that supported the contest.

IronMind has actively reported on this strongman contest since its earliest public mention in the strength world, and plans to follow the continuing developments.

[Matt Schumann]

I really hope that they can work this out. The sport has had it's ups and downs with these types of out of competition problems in the past that really did hurt the sport. With all the progress the entire sport has made in the last 2 years or so it would be a real shame to lose one of the great contests due to these types of problems.

[Mike Landrich]

I really hope that they can work this out. The sport has had it's ups and downs with these types of out of competition problems in the past that really did hurt the sport. With all the progress the entire sport has made in the last 2 years or so it would be a real shame to lose one of the great contests due to these types of problems.

Well worded and to the point. I concur wholeheartedly.

[Paul E Ohl]

Allow me a brief statement.

Fortissimus has been created to honor the memory of Louis Cyr, to contribute to the promotion of the sport of Strongman, to defend the all-inclusive concept of that sport, and, on top of all that, to recognize the status of the strength athlete by offering the best possible competition conditions that including the prize money.

Fortissimus does not compromise on any of these elements. Furthermore, and that is a crucial point, it does not subordinate to personal agendas and political platforms. That was a wise advice given to me by one member of the Certification committee . And that was the issue.

More to come of course.

[RubenScheepers]

Whats up with those d*mn politics in this sport?

Okay, soccer, football, boxing, baseball and all that I understand a little bit more but strongman?

I´m getting sick of this. This sort of BS also led to the split of IFSA (which is now Strongman Champions League) and WSM!!!

When is it going to stop?

[Zack C. Nims]

Whats up with those d*mn politics in this sport?

Okay, soccer, football, boxing, baseball and all that I understand a little bit more but strongman?

I´m getting sick of this. This sort of BS also led to the split of IFSA (which is now Strongman Champions League) and WSM!!!

When is it going to stop?

No kidding man! This kind of thing is a joke (not literally of course)! Makes everyone look bad.

[Mark A Cummings]

Paul, in light of this public announcement, it may be too early to answer this, but wasn't there some type of agreement to hold Fortissimus for at least three years? I don't remember the precise wording, but I seem to remember one of the earliest announcements in 2007 that Fortissimus was going to be at least a 3 year run. Does this seperation change that?

More materialistic, does this affect us getting a DVD of 2009? :)

[RubenScheepers]

Re: Fortissimus: “Canada World Strength Does Not Accept . . . ”
by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind

In the wake of yesterday’s mass media reports about Fortissimus, the organization that formed the backbone of the contest - Canada World Strength - has given IronMind a statement.


A billowing white tent - the perfect setting for what Mayor Carl Dubé was the first to envision . . . a strongman contest honoring Louis Cyr that came to be called Fortissimus and that took root in his village, Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire. Randall J. Strossen photo.


The following is verbatim from Canada World Strength:

“Canada World Strength does not accept some of the recent statements made about Fortissimus 2009 by Mr. Paul Ohl to the local press, and while we regret that this disagreement has arisen, Canada World Strength will express its position in an official press release on Monday, October 26 early in the morning.

“In the same breath, we hope that people will remember that Fortissimus was first the dream of a young mayor, Mr. Carl Dubé. Canada World Strength pays him a tribute.”

[RubenScheepers]

Paul Ohl Vowes to Take Fortissimus Further
by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2009 IronMind

Reiterating that Fortissimius and Canada World Strength had separated, Paul Ohl, president of Fortissimus, told IronMind, “I actually had resigned from the board of the corporation as early as July 11, 2009, immediately following the conclusion of the 2009 competition.”


Paul Ohl prepares to present the trophies at Fortissimus 2009. Marc-André Le Tourneux photo, courtesy of Paul Ohl/Fortissimus.

“I told the chairman in office, Mr. Marcel Catellier,” Ohl continued, “that I was in total disagreement with the ways and means of the corporation and that the lack of vision and leadership were some of the major issues. I also informed him that a complete report of the situation, putting up facts and figures, would support my decision. That report was made public, with some restrictions, by FORTISSIMUS this week.

"As we had stated from the beginning, we need the sport of strongman to grow, and to help that process, we need to cooperate and unite, added Paul Ohl. We also said that Fortissimus will never settle for anything less than what had been accomplished to this day. What we mean by that is that we will never accept to put in jeopardy the better interests of the strength athletes to the profit of other interests or let politics take any part in the sport."

Ohl also told IronMind that Fortissimus, “will release a further statement in [the] days to come.

[Paul E Ohl]

Ruben, rest assured that this has nothing to do with the sort of split that you are refering to: WSM vs IFSA.

Fortissimus will do what will be needed to respect and defend the interests of the sport of Strongman.

I personally got involved because I love Strongman, its grass roots, its history. And because of the tremendous satisfaction I experienced throughout the years as I got to meet the strength athletes. That is what got me to set up Fortissimus. With the help of remarkable people such as Randall Strossen, Magnus Ver Magnusson, Dione Wessels, Marcel Mostert and Ilkka Kinnunen of the SCL, Mrs Mayorkaya of Russia, Bill Lyndon of Australia. And, of course, all the athletes, but moreso Derek Poundstone and Zydrunas Savickas.

I know that these formidable athletes and entertainers will be there in support when needed. Men like Terry Hollands, Mark Felix, Andrus Murumets, Misha Koklyaev. And the great Americans : Travis , Brian, Dave. Plus Phil Pfister and Odd Haugen who knows what all this is about.

Comes a time when one will not compromise. That time has come and I will no longer get into any deal with that corporation.

[RubenScheepers]

sounds good Paul! Good luck with all!

[Corey DuCharme]

Paul, I've really appreciated the candor and insight you post with on this message board. Please continue to do so as you see fit regarding this recent situation.

[Paul E Ohl]

Thank you Corey. Honored to read your lines.

I owe much respect to all the strength athletes . I learned a lot from them. And I need, as they have done and will do, to stand tall and speak the truth. Nothing less.

[Easton Taylor]

I hope all goes well Paul.

[Paul E Ohl]

Easton, the time is not for predictions but rest assured that Fortissimus has been created and designed for the strength athletes first and foremost.

With that in mind, Fortissimus is meant to move onward and upward.

Fortissimus didn't just come out of the blue. It is related to the name of Louis Cyr and alive since 1892.

If you support Fortissimus it will live. As would say Magnus Ver : it is yours in strength.

[Mark A Cummings]

Interesting article on this topic on Ironmind.

http://www.ironmind.com/ironmind/opencms/Articles/2009/Oct/Louis_Cyr_and_When_a_Name_Is_not_Just_a_Name.html

[Paul E Ohl]

Just hold your horses on this one gentlemen.

A closing statement from Fortissimus will shed a different beam on this.

An I will say right now that this family feud has in fact nothing to do with the sport. It concerns accountability and competency.

Since I had to stand against IFSA in November 2007 and fight for an all-inclusive competition that became Fortissimus, with the help of Derek Poundstone and some "pulling power" coming from IronMind, I intend to be crystal clear with this one.

[Paul E Ohl]

http://www.ironmind.com/ironmind/opencms/Articles/2009/Oct/Paul_Ohl_Fortissimus_and_Louis_Cyr_are_One_and_Onl y.html

No matter how bitter it got, Fortissimus played a major role in promoting the sport.

To quote one of Zydrunas' emails : " Fortissimus brought the sport of strongman to a new level".

Well big Z if it is at all possible we will just keep doing that.

And whoever throws cheap political games into the sport will have to deal with some serious ass- kicking.

[Garrick Daft]

[url]To quote one of Zydrunas' emails : " Fortissimus brought the sport of strongman to a new level".
Well big Z if it is at all possible we will just keep doing that.
And whoever throws cheap political games into the sport will have to deal with some serious ass- kicking.
Zydrunas has it right.

Fortissimus was one of the greatest contests I've ever seen.

I'm not sure what happened politically or anything, but what I can say is that after having many conversations with Paul Ohl in the past, I believe that he was acting in the best interests of the athletes with whatever matter which caused this mess.

Paul Ohl is a historian, a reseacher, and a huge fan of the strongman sport and its athletes. I disagree with him about some matters with Jon Pall as they relate to Bill Kazmaier's strength, but everyone cannot be in complete agreement with everyone all the time. To me, Bill Kazmaier is the greatest, along with Zydrunas Savickas.

That matter aside, I know that Paul Ohl always has the interests of the athletes first and foremost as his priority. I do not think that he would be looking for personal gain in any matter relating to Fortissimus. If he was, then why not lower the prize purse and skim from that? Why increase the prize money from 2008 to 2009? Why have the difference between prize money from 1st to 2nd and on down so close? Most drop the prize money 50% from 1st to 2nd, Fortissimus dropped it 25%.

In some ways, maybe Fortissimus grew too fast from 2008 - 2009. With the economic collapse, it must have been hard to find the resources necessary to cover all the expenses. Fortissimus 2008 was incredible, and besides some problems with the weather and the events and the athlete area, I don't think anything needed to be changed. I loved the 20-30 minute drive into the rolling hills into this little town where an old big top tent was set up. All the townspeople were incredibly happy to be a part of the contest, and I can imagine that not much like that happens in their town. They had the strongest athletes from all over the world in their town to showcase and prove their strength. It was very magical and surreal.
Fortissimus 2009 was a more modern affair, set in an arena in the middle of a much bigger city compared to 2008. The people came and it was still magical, but it was much more edgier and the feeling was much more like walking into a franchise business or corporate establishment as opposed to the mom and pop grassroots old-time charm feeling of the 2008 Fortissimus. The people were still wonderful and very enthusiatic and supportive of all the athletes. Everyone was on the edge of their seats during the entire contest, amazed at the strength on display and the drama.

But it is the evolution of a contest 2 years old. What happened after Fortissimus 2009? Was the economy putting too much pressure to cut back on finances and the resistance to cutback on the finances to great to continue forward? There is a lot more what ifs, what happeneds, and such. But the only concern I have is whether or not Fortissimus is able to continue.

It would be great if the two sides could reconcile, meet in the middle on their disagreements, and produce an even greater Fortissimus next year. I know that everyone involved is very passionate in their beliefs and that makes it difficult to move forward. This whole matter has produced a great amount of publicity for the event, and really that only helps if you think about it.

I hope Fortissimus survives.

[Terry_hollands]

I hope Fortissimus survives.
I think everyone that has competed or been a spectator at Fortissimus hopes the same!!

[Paul E Ohl]

What is FORTISSIMUS ?


Poundstone, Savickas, Ortmayer, Shaw, Pfister, Hollands, Murumets, Kazelniks, Katona, Petursson, Haugen, Marku, Felix, Boyer,Savoie, Jean, Filiou, Koklyaev, Wenta...and missing Pudzianowski.

They made it happen. They raised to the challenge.

That is FORTISSIMUS.

[Mark A Cummings]

WOW!

http://www.ironmind.com/ironmind/opencms/Articles/2009/Oct/King_Solomon_and_Fortissimus.html

[Kevin Cronin]

How does any of this sully the contest itself?

[Corey DuCharme]

You bunch of freewheeling pigs!!!! :confused:

[dcarroll]

Reading all this hyperbole, I can't help but just shake my head.

I think it's time to unplug the internet and just be content lifting heavy in my garage, or maybe going out to the field and flip tires. What ever I decide, it will be for the simple pleasure of lifting heavy stuff.

[Paul E Ohl]

Amen, Doug.

Amen, amen, amen !!!

Before the shit hits the fan.

Clsong this I will repeat proudly: LONG LIVE FORTISSIMUS !

[Vincent Dizenzo]

Reading all this hyperbole, I can't help but just shake my head.

I think it's time to unplug the internet and just be content lifting heavy in my garage, or maybe going out to the field and flip tires. What ever I decide, it will be for the simple pleasure of lifting heavy stuff.

I understand this attitude, but there is no need to disconnect. For every bad post I see, I have seen at least a hundred more positive. If it were not for the internet I would not have learned nearly as much as I have about strength athletics. I also would not have made so many personal connections to the people involved in these sports. The positives far outweigh the negatives. Be a positive force on the net Doug. We don't need to be the silent majority.

[dcarroll]

I dig where you're coming from Vincent, I guess like most, I'm just fed up with all this stuff.

I saw this same nonsense start in Powerlifting in the early 80s, and we all know how that played out. At any one time there's a couple hundred "National" champs walking around.

Unfortunately Strongman is turning out the same way. What Paul and crew were trying to establish and maintain in Canada was fantastic. Hopefully 2010 Fotissimus will still happen and be better then ever.

It's not all gloom and doom though, WSM saw arguably the best line up ever, finally it seems the Best are able to compete against each other with minimal difficulty.

Fortissimus accomplished alot, attempting to bring the strongest together regardless of affilliation, because of that Paul should be applauded for that.

[Vincent Dizenzo]

Doug, I have a standard answer for this, people remember greatness, not numbers or titles. Yes, there are dozens of feds and hundreds of so called world/national champions walking around in powerlifting right now. However, how many will be remembered in the same light as Coan, Karwoski, Casey, etc. Regardless of how many federations there are, most lifters know who the real deals are.

If strongman gets too cluttered don't despair, we will always know who the greats are. Names like Kazmaier, Pudzianowski, Magnusson, Sigmarsson, etc. will not soon be forgotten.

[dcarroll]

Spot on Vincent.