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The World's Strongest Man - Season 2025 Episode 8 -
The Finals: Heat 3
The Finals: Heat 3
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FunTranscript
00:00Welcome Strongman fans and those with no other particular plans.
00:24Here's something you may find entertaining.
00:26It's day three of the SPD World's Strongest Man.
00:29We're in Sacramento, California, where already days one and two have been raw and they've
00:33been primal as four men muscled their way into the final.
00:38The three-time and reigning SPD World's Strongest Man representing Great Britain, Tom Stoltman!
00:50Yes!
00:51We have played games!
00:52Through to his first SPD World's Strongest Man final, it's the second strongman, Eddie
01:01William!
01:04Through to the World's Strongest Man final, let's hear it from Mitchell Hooper!
01:12Through to his very first SPD World's Strongest Man final, Paddy Hayes!
01:20So, Eddie Hall, first two groups here in Sacramento have been absolutely stacked with former finalists,
01:34but today's set features some very interesting, fresh faces.
01:39Yeah, we've got two new guys, Lucas Hatton and Rayne O'Neill.
01:42Now, Lucas Hatton has been competing at some very high-level competition in Strongman.
01:47Came second at the Arnold Classic, which is where the top ten guys in the world go to compete,
01:51so that's a very good steed.
01:53And then Rayne O'Neill won the SCL, which is the Strongman Champions League.
01:58It's like the League One in Strongman, but usually guys that win that tend to do very good at this stage.
02:04And he did that despite only taking part in three of the 12 competitions, so he must have something about him.
02:10Well, aside from Nell and that man Hatton, what about the chances of Britain's Shane Flowers becoming the third Brit in the final?
02:16Last time he was here three years ago, he dropped an anvil on his foot in the first event and broke it.
02:22Can we expect better this time?
02:23Yeah, Shane Flowers has had a bit of a whirlwind the last few years.
02:27He missed one year at Will's Strongest Man because of the birth of his son.
02:30He missed the second year because ten days before the final, he ripped his bicep off the bone and had to get reattached.
02:36So, he's taken about six months to recover from that and about six months' good training.
02:41He came second at Britain's Strongest Man.
02:43If you're coming to the top two in Britain, in my opinion, that puts you at the top ten in the world, no problem.
02:48Okay. Well, add a two-time runner-up in Mateusz Kiloskowski into that mix, and you've got yourself a very interesting heat three.
02:53Let's hear more about them now with our commentators, Danny Wallace and Colin Bryce.
02:57Well, thanks, James. Thanks, Eddie.
02:59Yes, what a group this is.
03:03First time travelling to North America for Rayne O'Neill, two-time Africa's Strongest Man and a former rugby player.
03:10From the US, it's Lucas, the hit Manhattan, making his debut two times America's Strongest Man.
03:17The Ghanaian Gladiator, second time at World's Strongest, Evans Nanna.
03:21Mateusz Kiloskowski, the mighty pole, twice second at World's Strongest Man.
03:27And completing the line-up from Britain's Shane Flowers.
03:31Flower power, he calls himself.
03:33I need a stronger nickname.
03:35So, first event is the loading medley, Colin.
03:39Sacks, a sack fest.
03:41Four of them have to be loaded on the back of a Cybertruck.
03:44United States of America, Lucas Fatton.
03:46Well, they call this guy the hitman.
03:49On account of his side hustle in assassinations.
03:53And Flowers is back, Colin.
03:56Yes, it's great to see him back.
03:58It's been a while now.
03:59He's been out with different injuries.
04:02He's got a great opportunity and he's in great shape.
04:04On the whistle.
04:07And all of these weigh around, about 130 kilograms, just under 300 pounds.
04:13Or about maybe 22 stone.
04:17So, pretty heavy.
04:18Not the easiest things to carry either.
04:20They can slip out your hands.
04:22Neck and neck at the moment.
04:23I'm impressed with Hatton.
04:24Seeing as he's got such enormous legs.
04:26This is fast from both guys.
04:29Especially in this heat.
04:30Different techniques, though.
04:31Moving up to the shoulder for Hatton.
04:33It's definitely quicker just to carry it in your arms.
04:35But it can be tiring.
04:37Especially on this last one.
04:38If you try and do that.
04:39Picks and turns.
04:40That's really quick from Flowers.
04:43It was.
04:43It's a risk to pick it up and turn.
04:45Both men doing it.
04:46Flowers faster.
04:48Nice.
04:49It's very awkwardly shaped sack.
04:52Like the Husserfeld stone.
04:54And about 47, 48 seconds there for Hatton.
04:57And we saw from the previous heats with the likes of Mitchell Hooper, Tom Stoltman.
05:0138 seconds was the very best for those two.
05:04So, remember, this is compared to the other heats if you qualify through to the final.
05:09Well, four in 48.09 for Lucas Hatton.
05:13Four sandbags in a time of 40.13.
05:17But a good time.
05:18Shane Flowers is huge satisfied.
05:2140 seconds.
05:24Yes, indeed.
05:2540 seconds is excellent.
05:26Very close to Stoltman and Mitchell Hooper from the other heats.
05:30Not sure there was much more there, though.
05:32Good job.
05:33Representing South Africa.
05:36Reynaud Nell.
05:37So, Reynaud Nell.
05:39That mighty chest.
05:41In lean two.
05:42Against an old hand.
05:44He's been appearing.
05:45At World's Strongest since 2016.
05:49Kieliszkowski.
05:51This should be fascinating.
05:53Kieliszkowski is incredibly quick.
05:55But Reynaud Nell is almost an unknown quantity.
05:58We've heard so many things about him.
06:00Two times Africa's Strongest Man.
06:02He's only been in the sport two years.
06:03Oh, absolutely.
06:07He's doing very well here.
06:09Very fast turn against Kieliszkowski.
06:11Who's just about never lost a loading event in his life.
06:14This is really impressive for the South African.
06:17Nell's off.
06:18Kieliszkowski just behind him.
06:19You can tell.
06:20Nell used to play rugby.
06:22And Kieliszkowski is a...
06:24Oh, there's a fumble there.
06:25That will cost him greatly.
06:27What an error.
06:28Now then, Flowers did 40 seconds just over.
06:31This is going to be tight.
06:34Nell needs to get ahead of that 40 seconds.
06:37He's not going to do that.
06:39But he's nipping at Flowers' heels.
06:41As Kieliszkowski finishes.
06:44It'll be disappointing for him.
06:48Massively disappointing for Kieliszkowski.
06:51That was just a total...
06:53He's just switched off for a second.
06:55I don't know what he was thinking.
06:56He's furious at himself.
06:57And actually, it made him speed up on the last one.
07:01Well, an unhappy Kieliszkowski.
07:02Four in 46.28.
07:04And with four sandbags at a time of 42.36.
07:08And a couple of seconds behind Flowers.
07:11Rayno Nell.
07:13You know he grew that moustache this morning.
07:16Rayno shines, but Flowers blooming good.
07:18And in the lead in event one.
07:20Up next, though.
07:21Hey, nah, nah.
07:22It's the self-proclaimed Usain Bolt of strength.
07:25Can he go fastest?
07:26We'll find out when we return.
07:38Welcome back to the SPD World's Strongest Man,
07:41where Brit Shane Flowers is in the lead in Group 3.
07:44Just one man left to run in the opening event, the loading medley.
07:47Evans Nana from Ghana.
07:49Back to Colin and Danny.
07:50Well, thank you, James.
07:52And yes, cutting a lonely figure.
07:56Evans to compete against no one.
07:59In the solo, Evans Nana from Ghana.
08:02Calls himself, as James mentioned earlier, the Usain Bolt of strong men.
08:06It can be a little hit and miss, Evans.
08:11Certainly very fast at moving events like this.
08:14Competed at World's Strongest Man last year.
08:16That was his debut.
08:18Didn't make it to the final, but this is certainly an event that suits him.
08:22He's very quick through the first two sacks.
08:24He's only been competing in strong men since 2021.
08:31Already made a real impact with the other athletes.
08:34And now, now we see the Usain Bolt of it.
08:38The speed back to the final sack.
08:42Marginally slower than Usain Bolt.
08:43I was going to say, Marginally slower, but I think we can let him off.
08:48Well, the 40 seconds of Shane Flowers has come and gone.
08:50He's not going to win this heat, but it's solid.
08:53Yeah.
08:55Good time for Evans Nana.
08:59Around about 44 seconds.
09:0244.9 for Evans Nana.
09:04Puts him behind Raynaud now, but ahead of Kieliszkowski.
09:08Yeah, I would have said Kieliszkowski and Han were the two favorites for this heat.
09:13But right now, they're fourth and fifth.
09:15This man in third.
09:17Yes, while the favorites flounder, it's Flowers who's off to a flyer.
09:21Picking up his maiden event win at World's Strongest Man.
09:24He's with Michelle.
09:29Now, Shane, the last time I saw you was back in 2022.
09:33You were in an ice bath with a broken foot.
09:35Is it good to be back?
09:37I knew he was going to bring that up.
09:39It's really good to be back, you know, three years later in the same city.
09:43To win an event that cost me so much three years ago.
09:46Really happy.
09:47And I just need to keep building on this now.
09:49I know that my finalists have got it in me.
09:52So I just need to show the world that I can do it.
09:54This is the thing, isn't it?
09:55But it's been a long road.
09:56It's been quite the journey for you to get to this point.
09:59Yeah, it has.
09:59Obviously, 2022 went completely wrong.
10:0323, I missed due to the birth of my son.
10:05I'm 24, 10 days out from the show.
10:08Managed to rupture my bicep off the bone.
10:10So I've not had much luck.
10:12But I'm here now.
10:14I'm in great shape.
10:15So let's do it.
10:16Tell you what, you seem incredibly focused.
10:18And as it currently stands, you're third overall.
10:21What's that doing to the confidence levels?
10:23Just building and building, you know.
10:25Like I said, I've not had much luck.
10:26So when your back is against the wall, it's hard sometimes.
10:28And there's been times over the last three years where I've thought about just jacking it in.
10:32But I just took one day at a time and now I'm back.
10:35So, yeah, buzzing.
10:36It's fantastic to see you here.
10:38Well done, Shane.
10:39Thank you very much.
10:40Shane Flanders off to a great start in his quest to join fellow Brits Tom Stoltman and Paddy Haynes,
10:46who are already through to the final.
10:48Next up, though, for Shane and Group 3, it's a very different kind of test.
10:52The deadlift for reps.
10:54And if event one was all about speed, this requires raw power.
10:58350 kilos on the bar, 60 seconds on the clock.
11:01Our first was a man with static strength of plenty, Lucas Hamm.
11:09Hamm managed seven reps, matching the mark set in previous heats by former champions Tom Stoltman and Mitchell Hooper.
11:17That's the number for the rest of Group 3 to aim for then as we rejoin Colin and Daniel.
11:27Evans-Nana then.
11:28Evans-Nana!
11:29Evans-Nana!
11:31HCUP
11:41One of the greats, K Feliskovsky.
11:44Certainly one of the greats to never have one world's strongest man.
11:47That's for sure.
11:47He's right up there on that list.
11:49Good to have him back, but this was always his Achilles heel deadlift.
11:53Nana nubs the deadlift.
11:55Oh, no!
11:58Down!
11:59To be honest, this is probably the reason why he couldn't win the World's Strongest Man.
12:05Already another very disappointing event for Kieroskowski.
12:09So we'll focus on Nana.
12:13Five reps. We've seen from the other heats that eight is about absolute max you can do in this.
12:20It's a horrible brutal way that the bar doesn't bend at all.
12:24Very thick bar as well.
12:26He's kicked from a very low height, lower than you would in a gym.
12:29Seven reps. Could he do eight? He's got time.
12:32He does have time. Can he give us one more?
12:37This heat, of course, not helping.
12:44Well, seven for Nana.
12:46Ties in for first so far with Hatton.
12:50It's had its effect, isn't it?
12:52Goodness me, yeah.
12:53That's knocked him for sixth.
12:55Try and get his suit off and get him breathing a little better.
12:58But once someone stops, they rarely get another rep.
13:02Seven, though, is very solid. Equals Hatton.
13:04With seven repetitions, give it up for Evan now.
13:09Some oxygen will help him get back on it.
13:11Oh, that was fast.
13:13Goodness me, he is the Usain Bolt of strong man.
13:17What was in that?
13:18He's a great showman.
13:19He loves the crowd, that's for sure.
13:21That's for sure.
13:26And we move on.
13:28To Raynaud Nell.
13:32He's very fast in the loading medley.
13:35Representing Great Britain, Shane Flowers.
13:38After some recent misfortunes.
13:47Shane is a former Commonwealth champion in powerlifting.
13:50He has been one of the three disciplines of powerlifting.
13:54I'd expect him to do very well here, but it's Raynaud Nell who's making the running.
13:57The unknown quantity.
14:00He's banging them out here.
14:01This is impressive for him now.
14:04He told me he doesn't really know what his maximum is.
14:07He's never really been tested yet.
14:10He is fairly new to strong man.
14:12This is his debut at World Strongest Man.
14:14He looks great.
14:15It has to be said.
14:17Often we see that when someone doesn't know
14:20what they're not supposed to be able to do,
14:23they go a lot further than we think they can.
14:26And he's doing that now.
14:28Yes, he shouldn't do a...
14:30But he can.
14:31And he's done it.
14:32Goodness me.
14:33That's a massive total.
14:34Flowers trying to get the seventh up here.
14:36Can he get it up his courts?
14:37No, he can't.
14:39So close there.
14:41Shane Flowers.
14:44Well, in powerlifting, you'd have been told to put that down,
14:46but in strong man, that's fine.
14:48You could jack it up, but he didn't have the energy in the end.
14:52So six reps for Shane Flowers.
14:55The winner of the deadlift.
14:57Let's hear it.
14:58Just incredible, really, from Rayne O'Neill.
15:00Surprised everybody.
15:01Eight reps.
15:04Well, we've seen he's very fast,
15:05and now we've seen he's statically very, very strong too.
15:08This guy's there looking like an all-round package.
15:12The South African, an all-round surprise package.
15:15He's eight reps equaling the best score we've seen all week.
15:19They call him the Rhino, and right now he's with Michel.
15:22Reino, first time on the World's Strongest Man circuit,
15:27and you've just won an event.
15:29How does it feel?
15:30No, it's amazing.
15:32I had a bit more hope for a loading medley,
15:33so this is good redemption for me, for myself.
15:37And I know for you, you grew up watching strongman.
15:39To actually be here with some of the greatest strongmen of all time,
15:43what's that like for you?
15:44Yeah, it's awesome.
15:45I mean, I don't get bigger than this.
15:47I'm so humble and so glad to be taking in every moment.
15:51It's amazing.
15:52What's the plan for the next event?
15:54I take it one event at a time.
15:55So next is the pressing medley.
15:58I have a game plan, not going to share it yet.
16:01Fair enough.
16:02But yeah, no, I'll just go out and give my best.
16:05And do you have an overall goal for this year's World's Strongest Man?
16:08Have you got your eyes on the final?
16:10Yeah, being my first World's Strongest Man,
16:12I think getting into a final will be a big achievement.
16:15So yeah, that's the first box that I need to tick.
16:18It feels like there's a lot of eyes on you coming into this competition.
16:22Does that add a bit of pressure?
16:23Do you feel like you've got a point to prove?
16:25Yeah, look, I come from a whole different organization.
16:28There's only one other guy here that I competed against.
16:30So I think I'm unknown.
16:32But for me, take it one event at a time,
16:34and then maybe show the guys I deserve to be here.
16:37All the best to look, Reino.
16:38Thank you so much.
16:39Reino the Rhino currently on top of the standings.
16:43Two points clear of Shane Flowers in what continues to be a very surprising group.
16:47The highly rated Lucas Hatton and Mateusz Kieliszkowski
16:50are currently a long way off the qualifying positions.
16:53Up next, it's the overhead medley.
16:56Can Lucas and Mateusz keep up with the pairs?
16:59Can Shane Flowers keep his spot in the top two?
17:02We'll find out when we return.
17:04Welcome back to the SPD World's Strongest Man.
17:19Next up for the strongmen of group three, it's the overhead medley.
17:23This test of overhead metal, literally, with four different implements
17:28for a combined seven reps and 75 seconds on the clock.
17:32First out, and in desperate need of points, is Poland's Mateusz Kieliszkowski
17:36over to Colin and Danny.
17:44Well, Kieliszkowski could redeem himself here.
17:47One of the most explosive overhead pressers in the world.
17:53Yes, he has to go on his own.
17:55He was at last in the deadlift, so he has to come out first in this event.
17:5990 kilograms overhead, this should be no problem whatsoever for him.
18:02He is one of the greatest dumbbell pressers there's ever been, that's for sure.
18:08Now then, he just viper, yes he does, just chucks it right from his hip up overhead.
18:13No pausing necessary, just straight up.
18:19Viper press as they called it, very impressive.
18:21Now then, onto the clean and jerk of this circus barbell.
18:26He seems to be struggling slightly here.
18:31Lacking the power belly.
18:34He's the power belly, isn't he?
18:36Oh, that's it for Kieliszkowski.
18:38Well, something's not right here, obviously.
18:41He's not feeling himself.
18:42Yeah, I'm very surprised.
18:44You saw how easy it was for him to chuck that log up.
18:46It's as if he just ran out of gas.
18:49Let's hear it from Matthias Kieliszkowski.
18:51Well, four in 26.25.
18:53Let's go through his head.
19:00Representing the United States of America.
19:02So, Lucas Hitman Hatton.
19:08One of the world's greatest pressers.
19:12And Shane Flowers.
19:15He's having a good day.
19:18He's feeling good.
19:25Looking forward to seeing Hatton press the log.
19:27One of the best log pressers right now out there.
19:32If not the best, just about.
19:34And very quick with that dumbbell.
19:37Wow.
19:38That was lightning.
19:44Have some of that, Kieliszkowski.
19:45Anything Kieliszkowski can do.
19:52Slower, steadier.
19:53Now then, let's see how Hatton deals with this circus barbell.
19:58Oh, there's the power bell.
20:01Enough it goes.
20:03Look at that.
20:04350 pounds.
20:05Cleaned and jerked overhead with ease.
20:09If he gets through this next one, Hatton,
20:11he'll go on to the axle.
20:12The end game monster, if you like.
20:14Weighing 168 kilograms.
20:17That's more like 365 pounds.
20:20Very heavy indeed.
20:2375 seconds of which to do it.
20:27He's still got time.
20:28Big ball.
20:30That was beaten.
20:32Flowers.
20:33Oh.
20:34Oh.
20:35Oh.
20:36Oh.
20:37That was beaten.
20:38Flowers.
20:39Oh.
20:40Oh.
20:41He didn't lock it out.
20:42He did lock it out, but it was in front of him.
20:44Goodness me.
20:46Well, five in 52.74 for Shane Flowers.
20:55With six objects at a time of 46.
20:57But one ahead.
20:58Lucas Hatton.
20:59Six in 47.41.
21:01I really thought Hatton was going to do the final implement there.
21:06Such a great presser, but all of the cleaning, getting it to the shoulders is what tied him.
21:11Representing Ghana.
21:12It's Evans.
21:13Evans Nanna next.
21:14Evans Nanna next.
21:16Getting the crowd on side.
21:18Always a good idea.
21:19And Ray O'Neill.
21:20More modest in his behavior.
21:21He's a very humble fella, but exceptionally talented.
21:22So, uh, Ghana against South Africa right here.
21:24That's fast from Nell.
21:25I mean, this is quite a technical event for a man who's not been in the sport particularly
21:50He's just so talented at everything.
21:52Highly coordinated as well as ridiculously strong.
21:55Goodness me.
21:56And straight back to the second.
22:01Well, what's happening here?
22:02Almost doesn't make sense.
22:03We're talking 150 kilos in the hand there.
22:05That's a serious weight.
22:09Locks out.
22:13Already moving on.
22:15You see how long armed he is as well.
22:16That's a long old press down here.
22:18I mean, he's pushing it a great deal above his head there.
22:23He's not built to be a presser, but he's good.
22:25Oh, what a jerk.
22:26Now that's how to lift weights.
22:27Ooh.
22:28It bounced into him.
22:29That's got up there.
22:30For the uninitiated, what a jerk is actually a compliment.
22:33Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
22:36Basically using your legs twice.
22:38Driving and dipping.
22:39In case he just tuned in and thought Colin Bryce had lost his mind.
22:43So, Nanna.
22:46Oh, it's unsteady.
22:47That's a shame.
22:50Yeah, he never had full control, did he?
22:52Ooh.
22:53What, he's really bouncing around into them.
22:55A little uncomfortable finish for Nell, but...
22:58Another consistent good performance.
23:01Might not have won this.
23:03Overhead, Bentley, but it took time indeed.
23:05Well, it puts him in second after Hatton.
23:08Five in 36.81.
23:10And we found third place as well in Evans, Nanna.
23:14Five in 48.91.
23:17Nanna!
23:18And that's hard lines there for Nanna.
23:23I mean, if you look at it in slow motion, it does look like he's locked out.
23:26Because he is, but he was always drifting away.
23:29He wasn't in control.
23:30It was the right call for Magnus.
23:32I disagree.
23:36The results for the overhead medley.
23:38Hatton hits back to claim a much needed event win.
23:41Nell, Nanna and Flowers all put up five, but not Mateusz Kieliszkowski,
23:45whose return to Worlds is not going to plan.
23:48He's with Michel.
23:50Mateusz, everyone's been so excited to see you back here at Worlds,
23:54but we know you've had a difficult time of it with the last three events, haven't you?
23:58Yeah, I was very excited to come here, but I don't feel well
24:02because I feel something like high temperature, some fever.
24:06Here is very hot, but I use long sleeves.
24:10I don't feel good right now.
24:12It's bad luck for me, but events was fine.
24:15I should go final easy, but it's not my time.
24:19Maybe next year will be better.
24:21So tricky, especially if you're battling illness and injury, too.
24:25Yeah, I come back after a very, very heart injury.
24:28Last year, I turned my Achilles.
24:31Not maybe 100% power.
24:33Maybe 80% is now.
24:36But still, I need to be very, very healthy to compete at the highest level here.
24:41You know what, Mateusz?
24:42There's so much love and respect for you here at World's Strongest Man.
24:46And there are two events coming up that we know you're fantastic at.
24:50Does that give you hope that you can come back and put on a show?
24:53You know, I will do my maximum what I can possible now.
24:56Yesterday, also overhead medley.
24:58I should win easy with total 25 guys because I am the best in the medley overhead.
25:04But I can breathe.
25:06I don't have power.
25:07I feel cold all the time.
25:08I can't warm up.
25:09If I do warm up, I still have pain in my joints, elbows, and my knees.
25:15So I will do my best.
25:17Of course, stone is 100% my events.
25:20And I will push my body to limit to maybe win only one event and just satisfy my mind a little bit.
25:29Mateusz, we're all rooting for you and we really hope you feel better soon.
25:32Thank you, thank you.
25:36Three events into Heat 3 and we've had three different winners so far, but it's the not-so-little Nell who's leading the way.
25:42He's winning the deadlift plus second places in the other events means that he is three and a half points clear right now.
25:46He's looking good, Eddie.
25:48He's looking phenomenal.
25:49That deadlift result was insane.
25:51Eight reps, beating Tom Stoltman and Mitchell Hooper.
25:54They only managed seven.
25:55Honestly, that is within the best in the world at deadlift.
25:58Absolutely insane.
26:00Top two go through from this group.
26:01Currently, Shane Flowers in fourth spot, but he's only half a point behind second.
26:06Yeah, Shane Flowers is doing really good.
26:09Titans toss up next.
26:10So it's a good event for him.
26:11He's got the world record at the Giants Live for the sandbag toss.
26:14So it keeps him in contention to make it to the final this year.
26:17Excellent.
26:18Well, it's been spectacular to watch in the first two heats.
26:20Let's see how the Titans toss goes this time with Colin and Danny.
26:25Yes, the Titans toss.
26:27Colin, you're a Titan.
26:28So why don't you talk us through this?
26:31Well, you have to toss 10 sacks over a bar and that you get further and further away with each pair of sacks.
26:37They all weigh 14 kilograms and about 30 pounds and this is how it's done.
26:43True test of explosive power.
26:45Mateusz Kieliszkowski had to come out first on his own, having finished last of the previous event.
26:51Just seven out of the 10 in 31.97 seconds.
26:55I think you'll be a little disappointed with that, especially when there's so many good throwers and athletes in this heat.
27:01So, an achievable benchmark from Junyszkowski.
27:04Elegating seven.
27:06Well, it is a game of strength.
27:10It's a game of physics.
27:12You've got to get the angle right, the angle of trajectory.
27:17And it gets flatter and flatter the further away you get.
27:20Evans Nanna, good thrower, very explosive.
27:23We know that.
27:24But Shane Flowers, as Eddie touched on, is exceptional at throwing.
27:29He's taking it very seriously as well.
27:32Very focused, Flowers.
27:33Well, so far, so easy for both men.
27:48That's just going to get tricky.
27:51And that's high and long from Flowers as he moves on to the last one.
27:59Oh, didn't get that one though.
28:01Nor the final.
28:03So, eight for Flowers.
28:07That's 12 meters away there for Nanna.
28:11That's just not even close to the parade.
28:15Still six for him, eight for Flowers.
28:17Yes, Flowers moving into first.
28:19With six sandbags at a time of 23.66.
28:23Give it up for...
28:24And if Flowers can't do all ten, that shows you quite how hard it is.
28:29With eight sandbags at a time of 23.66.
28:32So, eight in 23.38.
28:37Well, it's a fast tie for Flowers.
28:40And he wanted to be quick, didn't he?
28:44Don't expect him to be the best in the group.
28:46Unless Kineskowski was firing on all cylinders, which he wasn't.
28:49Seven for him, eight for Shane.
28:51I think he'll be fairly happy with that.
28:52We still have a pair to go.
28:54So, he might get beaten.
28:56That's pretty solid.
29:00So, Hatton.
29:01Hatton.
29:02The hitman.
29:05Maybe not his strongest events.
29:07We think.
29:10It's Rayna Nell's wife.
29:11They got married just two months ago.
29:15This effectively their honeymoon.
29:17I wonder how he broke that to her.
29:18Now that I expect Rayna Nell to be exceptional at this.
29:24He's just turned out to be brilliant at everything.
29:27Hatton.
29:28He's not exactly built for this at six foot.
29:30Short levers in terms of arms and legs.
29:32But he's got some wild power too.
29:34I saw him in the warm-up.
29:35He looked very impressive.
29:36And Nell.
29:38Very good indeed.
29:39So far so good.
29:41For Nell and Hatton.
29:43Well, Nell is taking no chances, is he?
29:47Absolutely launching it over here.
29:49But he's going to get unstuck soon.
29:52As he's getting closer and closer to the upright.
29:54And he needs to recalibrate.
29:56And that wasn't it.
29:58No.
29:59And Hatton managed to hit it as well.
30:02But got it over.
30:04No.
30:05No wrong with Hatton.
30:06Goodness me.
30:07Rolls it over the bar.
30:09Two in a row he did that.
30:10Impressive.
30:12This might be a metre too far I think.
30:15Not sure what that little dance was.
30:16But I enjoyed it.
30:18And then.
30:21There's a man who knows what he's beaten.
30:23Goodness me.
30:24Well, great work.
30:26And Hatton.
30:27Big surprise there.
30:29I'm not sure this needed a replay.
30:32Yeah.
30:33He's having a little joke with the referees.
30:34Who stopped him throwing them with one arm in the warm-up.
30:38Said, no, no, that's not loud.
30:40Well, that's 1844.06 for Lucas Hatton.
30:44And eight also for Renan Nell.
30:4729.41.
30:49Put him in second.
30:51That time matters.
30:53Nell was very quick indeed.
30:54He could have been quicker.
30:55He definitely did a bit of ball watching as they went over each time.
30:59Did what?
31:03So, third place for Lucas Hatton, which keeps him in the qualifying picture.
31:07Renan Nell pressing again in second.
31:09But it's Shane Flowers who takes his second event win.
31:12He's with Michelle.
31:13Shane, another event win for you.
31:16Second overall in the group.
31:18What's going through your mind?
31:20I'll be honest, I'm not happy with that.
31:22I'm happy to take the five points and the event win in my group.
31:25But I've done this event nine times now in a competition.
31:28I've never lost, never missed a bag.
31:29So, to break that streak sucks.
31:32But I'll take the five points.
31:34Sat in second now going into the last event.
31:36And I just want to get in that final.
31:37So, I'll take it.
31:39And I'll use any kind of aggression or mood that I've got onto the last event.
31:42And I'll make sure I send it.
31:44Absolutely.
31:45We look forward to seeing you in it.
31:47Thank you, everyone.
31:49Well, with just one event to go.
31:50It's Rayne O'Neill who leads the way on his debut.
31:53Three points clear of Shane.
31:54With Lucas Hatton, Shane's closest challenger.
31:57One and a half points further back.
31:59Sad news, meanwhile.
32:01Matthias Kieloskowski withdrawing from the competition due to illness.
32:06Four men remain to battle in our final event for those two qualifying places.
32:10We'll get rolling with the stones when we return on the SPD World's Strongest Man.
32:28Welcome back to Sacramento.
32:31It's the conclusion of Group 3 of the 2025 SPD World's Strongest Man.
32:36Two places in the grand final are at stake with just one more event to go.
32:40The natural stone medley.
32:44This, a time trial of ancient origins, features four stones of varying shapes, sizes and weight.
32:51To be pressed, shouldered, carried and loaded inside 90 seconds.
32:56Lying in fourth overall but still with an outside chance of qualifying, Evans Nana, the Ghanaian gladiator, was the first man out.
33:03Sadly, Evans could only press the opening 123 kilo stone.
33:07And that means his chances of progress are all but done.
33:09Hatton, Flowers and Nell are the three remaining hopefuls.
33:21Two spots in the grand final are up for grabs.
33:23We will take them for the finale of Group 3.
33:25Group 3, let's hand you back to Colin and Danny.
33:28Couple 2 of the winners.
33:33Well, big things expected of Lucas Hatton.
33:37extremely impressive yes well said and the first section of this stone medley
33:45it's really all about the press you've got this rectangle of stone up to your
33:50chest and then try and get your grip and that's the tricky bit if you can get that
33:55he'll have no problems throwing 125 kilos overhead
34:00up it goes locks it out drops it shoulder carry over 150 kilos of stone up to your
34:14shoulder giant sausage shape he's struggling to get his arms around this
34:21it's very wide he's an interesting way to attack it lengthways
34:27what would be the best way to get it up to your thawse
34:34he's very sweaty here it's very hot and he's maybe the struggling a little bit
34:39with his grip he's got little tacky towels tucked into his socks this helps you
34:44stick to these stones a bit really struggling to work this out
34:50here we go tacky towels pine resin a little bit of tack to the stone as he tries to grip it here we go
35:00remember he's got 90 seconds so he's starting to run out of time
35:0510 left he's beaten he can't work it out that's that for lucas hatton
35:11one in 16.72 ladies and gentlemen and then about a minute and 15 and looking at the stones
35:17yes i mean he just he just couldn't get it i think it's to do with the sheer width of it
35:23let's not forget the weight of it you know it's nearly 350 pounds of stone it's awkward very wide
35:30well has opportunity opened up for shane flowers
35:35yes he also knows the parameters that opportunity comes in
35:40he's really got to do this faster than evans nana this first stone and that was around about 13 seconds
35:47so let's see how he gets on with it doesn't have much fumble time with it that's for sure
35:51he gets this up quickly he's in the final i think he's in he gets the down signal does he yes
35:58yes okay so shane flowers will be in the final of world's strongest man and now it's about doing
36:07as much as he can to get as many points as he can yes i mean the equivalent of the first event of the
36:12final is those who make it into the final exactly what they did in the heat so uh the leading man
36:18will start the final with 10 points do well here this is awfully tricky event
36:26wow did he get that not sure he did i'd rather like tom stoltman in the other heat he uh
36:32still feel a bit faint and went down that's a really hard event that really is that stone
36:39shoulder he's all right smiling and i don't think magnus is going to let him have another go i think
36:44that's probably it ladies and gentlemen through to his first spd well he did it
36:49another brits in the final shane flowers he did enough and he did it well
37:00in the time of 11 38 and he's through to the spd world's strongest
37:06emotional whether he's still seeing stars because right there he was almost out the game
37:11and uh ditched the stone he knew he was going down
37:14great moment there's his dad graham who's been to all of his big contests supporting
37:20him all along he's a journey in strongman
37:23big moment well done shane
37:30representing reino nail then last to go now he's a smart man he's been studying
37:40ready yes sir on the whistle the maths computation of who's going to make it into the final and
37:48he can't miss out now he's absolutely guaranteed to be in but this it's all about gathering points
37:55for that grand final now as he compared to the likes of tom stoltman and mitchell hooper who won
38:02their heats before him so we head into that a good result here he chucks that up like a sack of
38:08tanks that's what i meant when he's been studying he's been working this out and that was very easy
38:15for him i know on the huso belt stone now made in a mold to be similar to the famous icelandic carrying stone
38:26and about 181 82 kilos 400 pounds and he finishes that with ease onto the big daddy at the end here the tombstone
38:35seen mitchell hooper do this
38:43goodness me see if he can match yes he can almost threw it over yeah
38:49that was almost 200 kilograms of 10 stone so impressive well his own family seems stunned there
38:57as if they can't believe it either this guy is very special 62 seconds for all four
39:05is there anything he can't do
39:07just seems to have all of the abilities needed for a top strongman he's going to be a danger in the final
39:15so it's rain o'nell arguably the story of this year's competition so far
39:22who wins group three charging through those four stones in a little over a minute
39:27meanwhile an emotional shame flowers takes second spot and becomes the third brit to qualify
39:33for this year's grand final he's with michelle
39:36shane you did it oh god don't cry don't cry
39:43it's okay oh it's been my world's strongest man journey's been a roller coaster promotion
39:49um and harder by the fact that i'm really homesick at the moment
39:54um my little boy's back home he's not very well you know my missus is holding down the fort
40:00i woke up this morning and thought and i'm gonna make the most of my absence
40:05and this opportunity i'm gonna make it worthwhile and i've done it so
40:09that's for you ronnie love you mate
40:13how incredible is that your family they're at home they're supporting you
40:17they are your motivation you've done it you've reached the final
40:20oh i can't believe it i've thought about this for
40:23three years ups and downs thought about quitting but
40:28because of my support network my dad
40:32my wife everybody everybody thank you this is for them it's not me it's all for them
40:39you can tell just how special this is the emotion is there are you going to be channeling that now
40:47when you go into these next events within the final
40:50yeah my body feels really good i've never felt
40:54this strong um the groups were harder than what i thought but
40:59this world's strongest man is undoubtedly the hardest year it's ever been it's the most
41:03competitive and to make my return to make the final
41:06on this year with that group i'm so happy and i'm revved up for the final
41:11you deserve it shane congratulations thank you thank you everybody
41:14i can't believe it so what a great day for a great britain shane flowers
41:23taking second place going to the final joined by that
41:26south african surprise the powerhouse rayne o'nell
41:29rayne o'nell congratulations you're through to the final and you're having fun
41:34yeah it's amazing i love the sport you're having an incredible year as well you got married what
41:38two months ago today uh yesterday was our two month anniversary yeah amazing
41:42what do you make of this guy eddie he only started competing when two years ago
41:46phenomenal yeah you've been in the sport two years now
41:48yeah strongman champions league yeah i still count my marriage in months so let's do it
41:52with strongman so i think it's two two years and three months two years and three months
41:56and you're here at the world's strongest man top 10 in the world what aspirations have you got
41:59into strongman yes it's still new so i just take it next competition at a time
42:04i mean everyone wants to win the world's strongest man so that's ultimate goal
42:07but i mean the path today i'll just keep on improving
42:10final events in the in the final good for you yeah fairly good um one event i've never done
42:16um but but yeah i'm positive what have you never done
42:19herkley's hold herkley's hold one of the best ones
42:22i've got to say rayne not only are you through but you've done it in real style
42:26you kind of match the performances of two of the really big names who've already gone
42:29in uh mitchell hooper and tom stolman are you surprised at just how well you've been able to adapt
42:34to this level of strongman yeah we'll see i mean still five five events to go so i've never done
42:39as long of a competition but up to this point i'm i'm fairly happy with what i did yeah i'm not
42:44surprised congratulations we look forward to seeing you in the final before that of course next time
42:49out we've got heat four and it's back to the future with britain's luke the future richardson
42:54he's back after four years away from world's strongest man can he get past though the likes
42:59of maxime boudreau and andre foitu and trey mitchell we'll be finding out next time on spd world's
43:04strongest man
43:17uh
43:22uh
43:26uh
43:28uh
43:30uh
43:34Oh!
43:35I'm back, baby!
43:37Yes!
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