BRADENTON – One athletes’ journey to redemption, the other attempting to cement his own legacy in a sport dominated by some of the world’s strongest men.
Without a doubt this year’s World’s Strongest Man Competition was like none other. In its 47 years since the inaugural WSM contest held at Universal Studios, California.
The top premiere strongmen of the world do battle in events that test their mental and physical strength.
“Just the endurance of getting through it. It’s not just physical endurance, but the mental endurance so that you don’t get mentally broke down,” said Jerry Pritchett.
Pritchett, a veteran strongman, competed in his fifth World’s Strongest Man competition in 2020.
His road to redemption came to a full a circle after suffering three injuries back-to-back while competing in 2015, 2016, and again in 2017. This year would be his first world competition in five years.
“This was kind of a comeback for me. A little bit of redemption too because last time I was in a final I didn’t feel they were good performances,” said Pritchett. “Last I was hurt…so this was redemption this year to come back strong.”
But for fellow strongman Kevin Faires his journey at this year’s competition was to cement his spot amongst these he-men. Billed as the lightest participant in the competition, the 280lbs Goliath excelled into the Top 10.
“In my first year it was pretty nerve wrecking and this year it was a completely different approach…just when the time comes ready to make that switch,” said Faires.
Faires says his goal for next year is to improve on his placing in the top 10 and this time around land on the podium. The former Greco wrestler says out of all sports he’s been part of team, he’s never felt the level of comradely as he has competing against other strongmen.
“This is why I love this sport,” said Faires. “Yes we are competing in against each other but we are a brotherhood.”
You can catch all the action on the CBS Sports Network ahead of the two-hour finale on December 26th. The next episodes before the finals are set to air the 17th and 24th of this month.
