Results > Midshires Strongest Man 2004
On Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th June 2004, in the shadow of the Malvern Hills, fifteen of the countries top athletes took part in this two day competition held as part of the annual Three Counties agricultural show. Competition was fierce as the men battled their way through eight challenging events. Events and their results are shown below.
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Farmers Walk for distance - Carry
farmers walk cylinders down a 25 metre course, cross line and return.
The line must be broken on turns. Chalk only. Time limit 90 seconds.
This event took grit and determination as competitors fought to carry the 110kg farmers walk cylinders up and down a 25 metre course as many times as possible in the 90 second time limit. Mick Gosling took first place with a winning distance of 108 metres.
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Hercules Hold - One Mitsubishi
Pajero in each hand, time starts on whistle when brakes are released. Judged
for time. No tacky - chalk only.
Having tried this event at the British Piano Smashing Competition 2003, many of the competitors realised their grip was the key in this challenge. A Mitsubishi Pajero, weighing in at 2.25tons, in each hand is no mean feat!
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Tyre and Wheel flip - Tyre and
wheel to be flipped over 25 metre course. Tyre must break line at
end, Spikes or studs may be worn. Judged for time, if course not completed
measurement will be taken. Time limit 2 minutes.
This years competition saw a new slant on the traditional tyre flip, by leaving the wheel intact too. Competitors struggled against the clock to flip the tyre and wheel weighing nearly a quarter of a ton, down the 25 metre course, within the 2 minute time limit.
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Log Lift - 110kg log lift for reps. Each rep
from ground to overhead with arms locked out. Wait for judges count and
whistle - elbows must be locked out and log must be overhead.
Elbow wraps can be worn. Time limit 90 seconds.
This old favourite really does split the field, as those well practiced fought amongst themselves to push out the winning lift of the 110kg log, many of the younger, less experienced athletes struggled to lift just once. An event where focus and determination can win the day.
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Truck Pull - Artic tractor unit
pulled over 25 metre course. Judged for time, if course not complete
measurement to be taken. Time limit 90 seconds.
Rain made play difficult, and a damp grass course meant 'studs or spikes?' was the crucial question of the day when it came to pulling the 7.5ton artic unit.
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Duck Walk and Log Flip - Carry
220kg Duck Walk 10 metres, flip log down 25 metre course, both log and Duck
Walk must break the line. Chalk only. Time limit 3 minutes.
As if a 220kg Duck Walk over 10 metres wasn't bad enough, competitors were then asked to flip over a quarter of a ton of freshly cut tree trunk along a 25 metre course. An excellent performance by Mark Felix saw him easily take first place.
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Atlas Stones - atlas
stones onto trailer, to be placed - not thrown! If a stone rolls off it must
be replaced before continuing. Judged for time, time taken for each stone
loaded. Time limit 2 minutes.
This classic crowd puller had competitors fighting to load the 6 atlas stones onto trailer in the quickest time possible. I don't think anyone expected to see all 6 loaded in under 30 seconds though!
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Medley - Three flips of Tyre
and wheel, 5 metre Duck Walk, 25 metre vehicle pull. Spikes or studs may be
worn. Time limit 3 minutes.
Midshires is notorious for its demanding Medley, and this year was no exception. Starting with three flips of Tyre and wheel competitors then moved on to a 5 metre Duck Walk finishing with the 25 metre vehicle pull with the Mitsubishi Pajero's. Demanding and tiring this event was a cruel end to a hard weekend!
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Final Results
First place took away prize money of £1000, and the total prize fund was in excess of £2000, reaching down to eighth place. This year saw the introduction of the 'Man of the Tournament' trophy, given in recognition of an athlete, novice or veteran, who gave the most to his performance, and this years worthy winner, was newcomer John Hobson, who had only been training for strongman since November 2003.
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All competitors should be complimented on an excellent performance and a great sporting atmosphere. Special thanks go to the support of our athletes, helpers and sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible.