MANATEE – From Dead lifts, to overhead presses and keg tosses. These men are proving why they are the world’s strongest men. But the competition is far from over.
“We’re just going to keep working, its’ not over yet we’re ready to fight again,” said Tom Stoltman.
The World’s Strongest Man competition is in full swing for the first time in Florida. The four day grueling trial tests the more than 20 men competing strength and endurance. Luke Stoltman representing Scotland became one of the 10 competitors to advance to Sunday’s final.
“Up until the event we’ve been having four or five events a day which really kinda enables our bodies to become much faster so yea we’re feeling good we’re feeling fresh,” said Luke.
Luke qualified for the finals in the Last Man Standing event. Where the athletes had to pick up a nearly 400 pound Atlas Stone and toss it over a bar until one competitor was left standing. He and his brother Tom made history being the first siblings to advance to the finals.
“Luke said it a great moment not just for us but we got our wives here we got my dad here as well so having dad is extra special and it’s father’s day tomorrow so it’s probably one of the best father’s day he is gonna have,” said Tom.
Andee Goode and Tonya Womack compete in strong men completions as well. They say when the world’s strongest man competition is in your backyard you go.
“We love the fact that it is constantly testing your strength and endurance in multiple ways,” said Goode.
“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone put it on the line,” said Womack. “This is the one where if you want it you’re going to put it out there you’re going to fight real hard and all that sweat all those tears all this hot you’re just going to put it all out for everyone to see.”
The World’s Strongest Man finals are on Sunday June 16th hosted at the Manatee Public Beach. The first of five events will start at 8:00 am.
Sunday’s final will include three athletes representing the U.S. fan favorite and Games of Throne star Hafthor Björnsson will also be competing to reclaim his title after a devastating injury last year.
