Max Axle Press: Second Event of the 2024 World’s Strongest Man Final
On May 4, 2024, the second event of the 2024 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Final unfolded with the “Max Axle Press.” The 10 WSM finalists took on the KNAACK Giants Medley earlier that day, showcasing Evan Singleton’s impressive intensity and speed. He topped the leaderboard heading into the Max Axle Press.
The task was straightforward: competitors had to perform the most reps with the heaviest axle press, which involved cleaning the axle barbell and pressing it overhead to lockout. Once the judge gave the down command, the athletes had to return the barbell to the floor in a controlled manner.
Mitchell Hooper and Tom Stoltman tied for first place with 4 reps at 210 kilograms (462.9 pounds). Pavlo Kordiyaka followed closely with 4 reps at 200 kilograms (440 pounds). Evan Singleton, Austin Andrade, and Luke Stoltman each managed 3 reps at 190 kilograms (418 pounds), tying for fourth place.
As the weights increased, athletes faced mounting challenges. Tristan Hoath lifted 180 kilograms (396 pounds) twice, while Matthew Ragg and Aivars Å maukstelis were unable to complete any successful lifts. In the end, Hooper and Tom Stoltman’s impressive performances at 210 kilograms tied them for first in the event, with Kordiyaka securing third.
“The competition heated up as the athletes attempted to break the world record. Hooper and Stoltman both took a shot at 217.7 kilograms (480 pounds), but were ultimately unsuccessful. Nevertheless, their strong showings propelled Stoltman to the top of the overall leaderboard heading into the next event, the Keg Toss, scheduled for 4:00 p.m. EST on the same day.”
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