Strongmen Shine in Sandbag Steeplechase at 2024 World’s Strongest Man
The Final Event of Day One
The final event of Day One at the 2024 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) competition in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was the debut of the Sandbag Steeplechase. After a grueling day of stone and deadlift challenges, the 30 elite strongmen wrapped up the day’s events by showcasing their prowess in this new test of strength and agility.
The Sandbag Steeplechase
The Sandbag Steeplechase required athletes to carry three sandbags weighing between 176 and 264 pounds down a course and over a log. After each bag carry, they had to rush back to the start, pick up the bag again, and sprint to the finish line. Competitors were free to choose the order in which they tackled the sandbags, and the fastest time or greatest distance covered in 75 seconds determined the winners.
Group Performances
The crowd was electric as the strongmen competed in pairs, with Group 1 kicking off the action. Canada’s Tristain Hoath emerged victorious in this opening group with a time of 63 seconds, outpacing the UK’s Luke Stoltman and the USA’s Trey Mitchell.
Group 2 saw an impressive performance from defending champion Mitchell Hooper of Canada, who completed the course in just 53.54 seconds, besting his Czech opponent Ondrej Fojtu. Unfortunately, Italy’s Nicolas Cambi was unable to finish after appearing to sustain an injury.
The competition continued to heat up as the day progressed, with New Zealand’s Matthew Ragg standing out in Group 3 as the only athlete to complete all six segments. Group 4 was dominated by Ukraine’s Pavlo Kordiyaka, who finished the course in 57.58 seconds, the fastest time of the day.
As the final group took the stage, the competitors had the advantage of watching the previous events and adjusting their strategies accordingly. Poland’s Adam Roszkowski emerged victorious in this group, covering five segments in 1:05.76.
Looking Ahead to Day Two
With the Sandbag Steeplechase now in the books, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the 2024 World’s Strongest Man competition. Fans can look forward to the Qualifying Events on Day Two, which include the Globe Viking Press, Car Walk, and Stone-Off. The action promises to be intense as the world’s strongest athletes vie for the coveted title.
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