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The World's Strongest Man - Season 2025 Episode 9 -
The Finals: Heat 4
The Finals: Heat 4
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00:55SPD, world's strongest man on that road to the final.
01:04We've already had three British athletes make their way there,
01:07Tom Stoltman, Paddy Haynes and Shane Flowers,
01:09and today we get the chance perhaps for a fourth with Luke Richardson.
01:13Now, four years ago, Luke came here to Sacramento,
01:16hoping to take the strongman world by storm,
01:18only to see his hopes derail by injury.
01:21Well, now the man they call the future is back,
01:24back in the sack, back on track,
01:26and hoping to put his injuries in the past.
01:35It's been a long, hard road for me to get back here, if I'm being honest.
01:40My last World's Strongest Man was in 2021.
01:42I unfortunately tore my vice up in the first event of that.
01:48From there on, it's got worse and worse and worse.
01:51Five surgeries in the last kind of four years from then.
01:54It's been tough.
01:55Life's been tough, but I'm tougher.
01:59As I was loading the last stone at Europe's Strongest Man,
02:03it was like a five-year snapshot reel.
02:06It went through my mind.
02:07There's not many times that I sit there in my feelings and my thoughts
02:12and really think, wow, you've done something amazing here,
02:14but that was an exception for sure.
02:22I'm a man who won't take anything lying down.
02:25You know, I hit things head on, and I think, you know,
02:27that's kind of what strongman's all about, isn't it?
02:29It's a brutal sport.
02:30It's a sport for warriors, and I'm still here.
02:33I'm not going anywhere.
02:41Eddie Hall, great to see Luke Richardson back.
02:44How big a prospect was he when he first came through,
02:47and how tough is it now for him to come back after that many knocks?
02:50He was an amazing prospect.
02:52I mean, he won Europe's Strongest Man at 22 years of age,
02:55and usually people that win Europe's Strongest Man,
02:57half the time going on win Will's Strongest Man.
03:00He's had six surgeries in the last five years,
03:03big injuries as well, so that's six months recovery,
03:06six months unable to train, six months unable to compete,
03:08six months lost experience each time.
03:11And that's a lot he's lost out on.
03:12Other guys in this group have also had injury issues.
03:14Trey Mitchell, for example, last year we saw doing effectively
03:17the competition on one leg.
03:19Is he the biggest threat to Luke this time around?
03:22I would say he is.
03:23I mean, last year he came in six months after a full Achilles rupture,
03:27and he did pretty well.
03:29So we're a year on from that.
03:30He's back up to full strength and some.
03:32So Trey is looking really strong at the minute.
03:34OK, Heat Force stands ready.
03:36Let's find out more about them with our commentators,
03:38Danny Wallace and Colin Blythe.
03:40Well, thank you, James.
03:42Thanks, little Eddie.
03:45And here are our competitors for Heat 4.
03:48From Canada, the Wolverine.
03:50It is, of course, Maxime Boudreau.
03:54The young Czech, André Foytu,
03:57just missed out on a final in his debut last year.
04:00From Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, World's Strongest Cop, Tristan Howeth.
04:09The big Texan, the big thicket, Trey Mitchell, twice fourth of World's Strongest Man.
04:17And two times Europe's Strongest Man, his third appearance here, the Brit, Luke Richardson.
04:22And event one, the loading medley, Colin.
04:28Yes, if you've seen the other heats, it's all about loading sacks, four of them, into the back of a Cybertruck.
04:35Up first then, it is Luke Richardson.
04:39Game of speed, this game of heft.
04:45Some of these sacks, very awkward indeed.
04:48Trey Mitchell, he's used to this kind of thing, a former farmhand.
04:51Certainly expect Luke Richardson to be making the running here.
04:58He's very athletic, very dynamic.
05:01Mitchell gets a good pick up on the first one, and in it goes, and it's neck and neck at the moment.
05:06Richardson on the far side there.
05:08The man handles the second sack, and he's got a lead.
05:12Yes, Richardson has the speed.
05:15Mitchell, perhaps, the experience.
05:19Oh, no.
05:20Oh, no.
05:21Well, this doesn't look good.
05:25That's a look that says it's happened again, isn't it?
05:27Yeah, he's motioning in his right bicep there.
05:29It was his left bicep here in Sacramento.
05:32A few years ago that popped.
05:34Oh, goodness me.
05:35He wouldn't have stopped unless it was bad.
05:37Trey Mitchell trying to finish off here, 40 seconds.
05:41You compare that to the other heats, the best were winning in a round about 38,
05:44but good times, somewhere in the 40s, and he does that, 49.
05:48Well, Trey Mitchell completes, but what has happened to Luke Richardson?
05:52This could be a disaster.
05:54Well, it was the face of a man who knows he's just had a fairly major injury,
06:00but he's been there before.
06:05There was no panic in his face.
06:06He just has another six months of recovery if it's what he thinks it is, eh?
06:10Muscle, is it?
06:11Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together,
06:13show your appreciation for Luke Richardson.
06:18Ed's, of course, suffered bicep tears.
06:21It's, uh, the battle scars that you get from the operation.
06:24This is a very common thing you see in Strongman.
06:27And, uh, that's bad luck.
06:30Bad luck.
06:31Well, Trey Mitchell manages four in 49.38.
06:35So, that's our benchmark for the others.
06:41Oh, boy.
06:43Partial, though.
06:44Fear.
06:45Just that bitter experience.
06:48Who knows exactly what's happened to you.
06:54Something about a partial tear rather than a full tear.
06:58Have to wait to find out more on that.
07:00But Andre Foytu.
07:01All right, next pair.
07:05Wes, the Czech, will be paired
07:07against Tristan Hoess from Canada.
07:13Finished fifth in his debut in 2024.
07:18So impressive, Hoess.
07:19On the whistle.
07:20Cop from Canada.
07:23He made the final.
07:24He had to call up the police department where he's from
07:26and ask him to have a little more time.
07:29Then finished fifth as well, I mean.
07:30Really impressive across all different disciplines.
07:34He's very talented all-rounder.
07:36But right now it's Foytu.
07:37He's very much making the running.
07:39He's speeding along, isn't he, Foytu.
07:42Needs to make an impact quickly.
07:45And he's doing that.
07:47Loaded three.
07:48Going back for the fourth.
07:49And he's put in a good solid sprint there.
07:5235 seconds to go so far.
08:00It's 49 seconds for Big Trey Mitchell in the first pairing.
08:05That was about 42.
08:06That's very quick.
08:08And Hoess.
08:09Won't beat Mitchell.
08:12Oh, he hasn't exactly packed the back of that truck well.
08:14He left himself a wall to get over there.
08:17That's a man who doesn't do the shopping at home.
08:19Yeah.
08:20Well said.
08:21Well, Hoess manages four in 51.6 seconds.
08:25Second for Tristan Ho.
08:29For Foytu, that's quicker.
08:32Four in 42 and a half seconds.
08:34Yes, he goes into first at the moment.
08:37We still have a singleton to come.
08:39From Andre Foytu.
08:41Over the team, of course.
08:47He didn't struggle at all.
08:49And right now, he's leading the way.
08:55Yes, Foytu with the fastest time.
08:57But once again, Luke Richardson with a heartbreakingly early finish.
09:01The loading race continues with Maxime Boudreau.
09:04When we return.
09:15Welcome back to the SPD World's Strongest Man.
09:19It's Group 4, where Luke Richardson has once again been forced to withdraw from the competition
09:23after a partial detachment of his bicep in the first event.
09:28It's a case of history repeating for Luke, who suffered the exact same fate four years ago.
09:34Luke, honestly, I don't know what to say.
09:38This feels like a very unsettling case of deja vu.
09:42Yeah, I am really good at tearing my bicep off in Sacramento, apparently.
09:45In Old Town Sacramento.
09:46It was the first event last time as well in 2021.
09:48When I tore my left bicep, and then now I've tore my right bicep.
09:52I remember chatting to you back in 2021, and it was so gutting then.
09:56We all had our eyes on you within this event.
09:59It looked to be going so well.
10:00And then it all changed.
10:03Yeah, it's just, that's life, isn't it?
10:05I'm a positive person.
10:05Obviously, this stings.
10:06It'll probably sting a lot more later, physically and mentally.
10:10But, yeah, I've got some tough decisions to make.
10:14See what, you know, I've been fine the last few years, you know what I mean?
10:17I've got Laura, I've got my dog now.
10:19I've got my family and friends.
10:21Life's pretty good, I'll be honest.
10:23It was different last time to this time.
10:25So, yeah, I'll make my mind up what I want to do and go from there.
10:29And this is the thing, Luke.
10:30You're a strong guy in more ways than one.
10:32You talk about the physical and the mental.
10:34It's been a journey for you, hasn't it, since 2021,
10:36to come back here and show what you're made of?
10:39Yeah, obviously, I wanted to come back here and get some level of vindication
10:41because this is where it all started to go wrong for me in 2021.
10:45That's kind of when the series of injuries started,
10:47and it's just unfortunate that I've come back here
10:49and I seem to have continued on the same trend.
10:51But, like I say, that's life.
10:53You know, you get knocked down, you get back up,
10:55and I'm sure I'll get up from this one as well.
10:57So, just keep going.
10:58That's the thing, and that's what's inspiring about you.
11:00Thank you so much, Luke, and take it easy.
11:02No, it's all right, thank you.
11:09Well, he's a battler, Luke Richardson.
11:12We'll see him again.
11:14And Boudreau, no stranger to injury either.
11:17Since we last saw him in 2022, he's broken his leg,
11:20torn his left lat and torn his left bicep.
11:25But it's amazing what Superlou can do.
11:30Danny's joking, kids.
11:32Yes.
11:33Yes, to be clear, I'm joking.
11:34Well, Boudreau onto the second sack.
11:38Quick on his feet.
11:41That's very quick indeed.
11:42On to the third one.
11:44So far, so good.
11:46Chasing down the best time.
11:4842 on just over 42 seconds.
11:51Well, as Boudreau approaches 30.
11:53He's got this final awkward sack to lift.
11:57Much more awkward.
11:57Now, it's going to be close.
12:00He hoisted that up quickly.
12:01He's got quick feet.
12:02It's going to be very close.
12:05Well, too close to call.
12:08Goodness me.
12:12He could have slipped up, tripped up.
12:14Anything going to happen there.
12:15He was gambling the lot.
12:16He knew it was going to be tight.
12:18Let's have a look at the time.
12:19Let's hear it from Maxime Boudreau.
12:22Well, four in 42.81 seconds.
12:26So close.
12:28Just three-tenths of a second behind the check.
12:3142 at 42.55, who takes the loading medley.
12:39Andre, congratulations on winning your first event.
12:42Thank you very much.
12:43How are you feeling going into the competition this year?
12:45Because you narrowly missed out on the final in last year's World Strongest Man, didn't you?
12:49Yeah, I was really nervous, especially with the competition that's here.
12:53Luckily, I got my parents in the stands that are supporting me this year for the first time at Worlds.
12:57So I need to make them proud.
12:59What are the expectations and the plans going forward this year?
13:02This year, the goal is to get to the finals and then just have fun afterwards and get ready for next year.
13:08And what about the change in the format?
13:10Is that going to adapt your strategy somewhat?
13:13Sort of, but the strategy is to do the best in every event.
13:16So I don't think it will affect me that much.
13:19Keep it up.
13:19Well done, Andre.
13:20Thank you very much.
13:22The youngest man in the field, top of the pile ahead of Boudreau, Mitchell and Hoth, with Lou Richardson now withdrawn.
13:30On to event two.
13:31And it's a duel on the deadlift.
13:34350 kilos to wait, 60 seconds to complete as many reps as possible.
13:39No one's beaten eight, so far at least.
13:41But to see how group four do, over to Colin and Danny.
13:43Tristan Hoth.
13:46The Canadian Tristan Hoth.
13:48Tristan Hoth.
13:49She knows.
13:51Up against Trey Mitchell from the USA.
13:56Familiar face here at World's Strongest Man.
13:58Very good deadlifter as well.
14:02So too Hoth, though.
14:03We saw that in the final last year.
14:06Now, Colin, explain the complicated rules here.
14:10Well, you grab the bar, stand up with it, put it back down again.
14:14Perfect.
14:14Thank you very much.
14:15And Mitchell is doing that.
14:16Hoth as well.
14:17Down.
14:18Matching each other.
14:19Down.
14:19Down.
14:23Well, we've seen from the other heats that have gone before.
14:26Seven.
14:26Often a winning number, but we have seen eight reps as well.
14:30Down.
14:31Mitchell.
14:32It's like a forklift truck, isn't it?
14:34Just up and down, no problems.
14:36Already on to six.
14:39That's Mitchell's founder's rhythm, isn't it?
14:42Yeah.
14:42You don't want to stop either, because if you stop, it's very unlikely you'll start again.
14:47We could see nine here.
14:48Hoth's struggling a little bit, but Mitchell does nine, I think.
14:51Yes.
14:52He's been given it.
14:53Could we have double figures?
14:55He's got time.
14:5615 seconds to go.
14:58Well, look at this from Trey Mitchell.
15:01Locks out.
15:02That is double figures.
15:04Now, that surely is enough for him.
15:07Well, remember, he's going to be compared to all the other firsts and seconds,
15:11the qualifiers from the other heats.
15:13And that could well be just about the best we'll see in deadlift from any heat.
15:18That was extraordinary.
15:19Oh, it's two, though.
15:20Eight reps from Haworth in any other heat.
15:23My goodness, that would be a winner.
15:24So far, that would be the winner, yeah.
15:28And he's just, he's in the shade of Trey Mitchell here.
15:32And you saw it, ladies and gentlemen, with ten repetitions.
15:35Well, if anyone can, Trey Mitchell can.
15:37Trey Mitchell.
15:38Ten reps.
15:41What a marker.
15:43The farmer from Texas.
15:46Certainly over his injury woes that he had last year.
15:49Looking unbelievably strong.
15:51Look how brawny he is.
15:53I've never seen a thicker man in the chest.
15:56All right.
15:56Representing Canada.
16:01Bear to tear your eyes away from Trey Mitchell.
16:04Here's Maxime Boudreau.
16:08Deadlifting is one of his weaknesses, actually.
16:11Andre Foytu.
16:17That's Adruna Saviscus.
16:19Four times the world's strongest man enjoying the sights.
16:23He's taking a picture of himself.
16:24He's taking a big breath in at the top.
16:50He doesn't want to lose his form at the bottom.
16:52There we go.
16:55No, no, he didn't take it that time.
16:57That's him.
16:57That's done.
16:58Well, five for Foytu.
17:02Half of what Mitchell managed.
17:04Boudreau, kind of relieved to have just done one.
17:08I mean, it's sensible if you think about it.
17:10It doesn't zero out in the event.
17:12And you knew he wasn't going to do much more.
17:14So why tire yourself?
17:16With five reps.
17:18Well, Foytu takes third.
17:20Foytu.
17:21Five reps.
17:22Pretty solid for him.
17:23He's not known for his deadlifting.
17:25He's really known for his pressing.
17:26And, of course, that's coming up next.
17:28Well, Foytu and Boudreau's struggles there, underlining how impressive Hotham Mitchell's performances were in that event.
17:39An exhibition of deadlift.
17:41And fresh from that monster ten reps, the man they call the thicket is with Michelle now.
17:46Trey, we can see you gave it your absolute all in that event.
17:50Did you feel like you were going to dominate this?
17:52Yes, deadlift is one of my favorite events, and I'm really good at it.
17:55I was aiming for nine to ten reps and really happy.
17:58I, you know, wasn't really counting.
18:00You know, kind of just went into the zone and just tried to maintain a steady rhythm.
18:06And just the last couple of reps, like, kind of losing a little bit of gas.
18:12And so just ran out of time for that 11th rep.
18:14Didn't really know how many I was doing, so just was kept on going until I ran out of time.
18:19Well, you're clearly looking good.
18:20I mean, if we reverse back to last year, you were still suffering from your torn Achilles.
18:26How's training been this year?
18:28Are you feeling injury-free?
18:30A couple of times I've had some tweaks here and there in training.
18:33So I was a little worried, especially on deadlifts, you know, tweaking my back a couple of weeks ago.
18:39But getting some body work here and there, like, made me come back and, like, have the confidence to be able to push it in this event.
18:48And what's the strategy going forward?
18:49Have you got your eyes on some of the events in the final that you're feeling pretty good about?
18:54Yes, I believe the final events are really suited towards my strengths.
18:59Like, we got the max 18-inch deadlift really good and really good at the overhead pressing.
19:05And a Hercules hold is a really good event for me, you know.
19:07So I think I can really push that for, you know, top three in that event.
19:12Fingers crossed we see you there.
19:13Well done, Trey.
19:14Yeah, thank you so much, Michelle.
19:15Trey's 10 lifts him now into a tie for top spot in the group with Andre Foytu.
19:21Still, with just two points separating these four men, the destination of the qualifying places is a long way from settled.
19:27For Texan, well, Texan's stopping.
19:31But what twist will our next event throw up?
19:33Coming up for this awesome foursome, it's the overhead medley when we return on the SPD World's Strongest Man.
19:39Welcome back to Sacramento, the state capital of California.
19:49And this week, the seat of real power with the SPD World's Strongest Man, Squirrel.
19:54Next up for our men in group four is the overhead medley.
19:58Four different implements.
19:59They must be pressed overhead for a combined seven reps in just 75 seconds.
20:04First out in the Sacramento Sun, Maxine Boudreau and Andre Foytu, two masters of the discipline.
20:12Speaking of which, over to Colin Price and Danny Wallace.
20:17Well, thank you, James.
20:19Yes, seven reps in total.
20:23It's fair to say, Boudreau will be looking forward to this tremendous presser.
20:27And so too, Colin, Foytu.
20:30Two massive power pressers in these two.
20:33Former Canadian record holder in the log, Boudreau, and world record holder at a junior level in Foytu.
20:41So stacks of shoulder power here.
20:44How will they go on with this 90 kilo dumbbell first?
20:49Foytu, yep.
20:51To be able to balance and hold it.
20:53Two reps on each implement, except the last one, which is the 168 kilo axel.
21:01Rolls it up the chest.
21:02Boudreau, just hoists it.
21:08150 kilos, easy for Foytu.
21:10He looked very strong there.
21:12This has proved to be quite a test, this circus barbell.
21:18350 pounds.
21:19It's a very thick bar as well.
21:24A little bend in it.
21:27Bounces around.
21:28Of course, he gets hit with it there.
21:30You've got to be careful as you drop it, that's for sure.
21:33Boudreau for the second rep.
21:35And for the axel, a single rep only.
21:38Can he do it under a minute?
21:39Foytu.
21:42He manages it.
21:44Well, that's terrific.
21:46From Foytu.
21:48And Boudreau, still a little time.
21:49He'd rather save his energy.
21:54Could see that he wasn't going to do it in the time remaining.
21:59He knows where he's beat.
22:00It's a big ask to lift that axel.
22:03He was just on its own.
22:05Never mind what was done before it in this medley.
22:08Boudreau, 6 and 57.99 seconds.
22:14And Foytu.
22:17It is all seven, of course.
22:19Just over at one minute.
22:23Well, I mean, we could forgive that.
22:25And if he makes it into the grand final, that'll be a good score.
22:29Only Stoltman, Tom Stoltman, Mitchell Hooper from the other heats,
22:33have bettered that.
22:36Representing Canada.
22:37Tristan Hooper.
22:39Another Canadian.
22:41The World's Strongest Cop.
22:43Tristan Hooper.
22:45Against the Texan.
22:48Trey Mitchell.
22:51What a lovely character here at World's Strongest.
22:55Big thicket, as he's known.
22:57Great presser.
23:01Of course, Hooper has proven to be a really a tremendous all-rounder.
23:05Perhaps the medley set-up suits someone like him a little bit better.
23:10Down.
23:12Down.
23:14Under the log.
23:15Trey Mitchell.
23:19No problem at all.
23:21It's like, he's pressing nothing over his head.
23:24It's just so easy for him.
23:26That is extraordinary.
23:27That's like the weight of two men just pressing it above your head.
23:31It's just like nothing for him.
23:34Under the circus barbell.
23:36So far so good for the Texan.
23:38Gosh.
23:38Just bouncing it off that power belly and rolling it up.
23:41He's got good flexibility as well.
23:43Sitting on his chest almost there.
23:47Excellent.
23:48Two done.
23:49One to go.
23:49Just the axle for him.
23:52Can he beat Foytus one minute?
23:56Definitely has the power belly ledge to do it.
23:59Well, it's going to be tight.
24:01He does lock out.
24:02The official time there is Howarth.
24:08It's going to be about five seconds.
24:10So lock this one out.
24:12Pushes through.
24:13Manages it.
24:15Just in time.
24:18Just in time.
24:19Magnus definitely gave him the down signal.
24:21So he'll be credited with six lifts.
24:23But seven lifts for the Texan.
24:25Very impressive.
24:26There you go.
24:27Six in one minute and thirteen for the Canadian.
24:29Once again, grinding out a good result.
24:33But what about Trey Mitchell?
24:34Did he do enough to beat Foytus?
24:37Three tenths of a second slower.
24:40What a shame.
24:41He was so quick off his chest.
24:43I thought he was going to be much slower.
24:46Got it very close in the end.
24:51Let's just have a look at that axle again.
24:53That was so impressive from the chest upwards.
24:56Like it was nothing.
24:57He could have done 30, 40 kilos more with ease.
25:00Well, what an impressive group of pressers.
25:05Foytus takes first though.
25:07Mitchell just behind.
25:14Three events into heat four then.
25:16And that's how they stand.
25:17Top two looking good.
25:18Andre Foytus and Trey Mitchell.
25:21Trey particularly looking good in that deadlift earlier on.
25:24Eddie, event two.
25:25I know you'll have enjoyed that.
25:26Thoroughly enjoyed that.
25:27Ten repetitions at 350 kilos.
25:30That is on par with the best it's ever been.
25:32Right.
25:33Who I might just be looking at.
25:34I'm not sure.
25:35Hey.
25:35Andre Foytus for all of that is actually a point ahead of Trey Mitchell.
25:38And beat him so narrowly.
25:39But still beat him in the overhead medley.
25:42Yeah, I think it was like half a second in front of Trey.
25:44But Trey has been the best at overhead events for years at World Strongest Man.
25:49So for Andre to come in and beat Trey, I think it's a big statement.
25:52He's just 23 years of age.
25:53He only just missed out on the finals last year.
25:55Is he going to do it this time?
25:56I think so.
25:57I think that extra year experience, that extra year building that strength up, it's all you need.
26:02He's well placed as we head into event four, which is the Titans Toss.
26:05Danny and Colin.
26:06Well, thank you, James.
26:07And yes, they could have called it Sack Attack or Sky Bags.
26:14But no, they settled on Titans Toss.
26:17And that's what Tristan Howarth is going to have a go at right now.
26:25Those two people couldn't make it.
26:29And Boudreau will be going head to head against him.
26:36We'll have to consult you on names next time.
26:39That was impressive.
26:40I like those.
26:40Sky Bags.
26:42But it's Titans Toss, folks.
26:44And the first pair from seven meters out.
26:48They weigh about 30 pounds, 14 kilograms.
26:51And each time you've got to launch them over the uprights.
26:55So far so good for our pair of Canadians.
27:00Boudreau, of course, has had a share of the world record in the keg toss.
27:05So he can really launch it.
27:07Very explosive.
27:09Those men really going for it.
27:12Having to adapt their technique as they get further and further away.
27:15Oh, it's come up short there.
27:17That's criminal damage.
27:22Boudreau's done nine for 10 out of 10 for Boudreau.
27:25Here it is.
27:27And he gets it.
27:29That's 10 for Boudreau.
27:31A full house.
27:35And that, ladies and gents, is how you sky bag.
27:40Or sack attack.
27:41Well, I'm trying to get people used to their title for next year.
27:44Because I bet it changes.
27:48So seven in just under 30 seconds for Tristan Hoeth.
27:51But it was Boudreau who shone in the sack attack with 10.
28:02There's only one man who's done better than that.
28:04In fact, there's only one man who's done all 10 across all the heats.
28:07And that was Tom Stoltman.
28:08Shows you how impressive it is.
28:11Definitely took his time with the last one.
28:13Very deliberate.
28:15Got it over.
28:16Trey Mitchell's turn.
28:19It's the big thicket, Trey Mitchell.
28:23The big thicket always sounds a bit like an insult to me.
28:25But he's very happy with it.
28:29Unless he's seething there.
28:31And Andre Foytu.
28:36Yet to be nicknamed.
28:38Just 23.
28:40Maybe you can give him one eight.
28:41I'd love to.
28:43At some point, I'd like to show a checkmate.
28:45So let's see what's going on.
28:47You could shout Foytos.
28:49Could do.
28:52The second pair.
28:53Both of them.
28:54Trey Mitchell.
28:56Bit of a bigger, longer pull.
28:58Almost too much energy wasted on these early ones for him.
29:00And oh, Foytu makes an error.
29:02He's a little sloppy there.
29:03And again.
29:06And again.
29:07Goodness me.
29:08Foytu's not going to finish with a good result in this one.
29:10Oh, Trey Mitchell bounces it over.
29:12Oh, both men really struggling with this.
29:17Struggling to get the trajectory right there.
29:19Both of them.
29:21I won't be able to say checkmate yet.
29:23That's three for Foytu.
29:25And 11.41.
29:29Not his favorite event.
29:31Definitely the wrong tactics.
29:32He knew he wasn't particularly good at this.
29:35He should have just taken the first five or six really slowly and tried to get them over.
29:38With six sandbags at the time of 27.2.
29:41Well, doubling Foytu's score.
29:43Six to 27.22.
29:47He's not delighted about it.
29:50I think Trey Mitchell knows he could have done a couple more.
29:53There were a few sloppy misses.
29:55And again.
29:55Probably just rushed it.
29:56Well, that round of skybags tightens things up again in this group.
30:03Maxime Boudreau taking maximum points.
30:05He's our third different winner from four events.
30:08He celebrates now with Michelle.
30:12Maxime, I mean, you really set the pace with this event.
30:15How important was it for you to dominate?
30:19Well, I'm in third place right now.
30:20So I need that win to get ready for the stone off.
30:23I was expecting to see you on event one, but it is what it is.
30:26I just keep playing, keep working, and let's climb up to get to the finals.
30:30Now, this place as a whole, I mean, it holds good memories for you.
30:33In fact, it was in Sacramento that you reached the final.
30:36Is that the goal for this year?
30:38Yeah, it's a plan to make the finals.
30:39It's a lot.
30:40The weather is a lot nicer this year than it was three years ago.
30:43And I'm just really happy to be back after two years missing for injuries.
30:47Well, it's great to see you.
30:48Well done, Maxime.
30:48Perfect.
30:49Thanks a lot, guys.
30:49Well, just three points now separating these four men with Foyto and Mitchell level.
30:56Boudreau just a point behind and Hoth close behind him.
31:00Which of the four will be heading to the grand final?
31:03It's all about what happens next in the stone medley.
31:07Hard rock action when we return on the SPD World's Strongest Man.
31:12Welcome back to Sacramento, California.
31:22It's the conclusion of Group 4 with young Czech Andrei Foyto and Texan Trey Mitchell leading the group level on points.
31:30But two Canadians, Tristan Hoth and Maxime Boudreau are just a stone's throw behind.
31:34And the decider is the natural stone medley.
31:38Four rocks of differing sizes, shapes and weights to be pressed, shouldered, carried and loaded inside 90 seconds.
31:45Let's rock with Colin and Danny.
31:47Thank you, James.
31:48So, yes, the natural stone medley.
31:55Ready?
31:56Hoth.
31:56The whistle.
31:58First to take on one of these extremely heavy, extremely unwieldy stones.
32:05He has to press this over his head.
32:06That's the trickiest bit.
32:10Balancing it.
32:12All of these guys can press over 120 kilos.
32:15Some of them with ease.
32:18So, anyway, he gets through onto this very awkward-shaped stone.
32:22He's got a hoik to his shoulder.
32:24He's almost 350 pounds.
32:27160 kilos, nigh on.
32:31Ergen arm out and drop it.
32:34Do the arm out to prove you're in control.
32:36And it looks fabulous.
32:38It does, yes.
32:40Now, onto this unwieldy stone.
32:44Based on the famous Icelandic stone.
32:47Yes, the Fusafelt.
32:51Now, there.
32:52400 pounds of stone.
32:53Round the barrel and back.
32:54And that's the third section over with.
32:57And then you go on to the final big tombstone at the end.
33:01Er, dropping slightly, but it's fine.
33:04He's clinging on by his fingertips there.
33:0620 seconds.
33:07Has he got the energy to do this?
33:09As you heard, he's now got under 20 seconds to get this up.
33:12I think he's tombstoned.
33:16Come on.
33:17He's not only beaten.
33:19He always grinds out results.
33:21Can he do it?
33:21No.
33:22Not this time.
33:22Well, didn't manage the tombstone.
33:28Tied out by the carry, I think.
33:31Three in 104.
33:33Let's hear it for Tristan Hull.
33:37Certainly puts out a good marker for the others.
33:40We've seen from previous heats that's very impressive.
33:44Very few have made it to the fourth implement.
33:46Good job.
33:52Representing Canada, Maxime Boudreau.
33:57Fellow Canadian, Boudreau.
34:00Highly experienced.
34:03On the whistle.
34:05The Wolverine.
34:08He's two points ahead of Hoeth coming into this.
34:12Supposed to get a clean press straight away.
34:14Oh, chucks it up.
34:15Yep.
34:16Just threw that up.
34:19Very impressive.
34:20So, at what cost though?
34:22I don't think that's a joke.
34:24He's seeing stars here.
34:27The heat of Sacramento.
34:30All the previous events have taken their toll.
34:34Probably not exactly the thing you want to do at this moment.
34:36It's lift the stone to your shoulder.
34:38That weighs 160 kilos nearly.
34:40To be clear, these are already quite exhausted men.
34:43In the heat.
34:45On a black surface.
34:46Trying to lift extraordinarily heavy things.
34:50How would you do it?
34:53It's only just dawned on me.
34:56Well, Boudreau, probably having many of the same thoughts that you've just verbalised.
35:02Questioning his life choices right now.
35:04What led him here?
35:06The strong man's not meant to be easy.
35:08Here we go.
35:10Sacramento, the place he came.
35:11Third at World's Strongest Man.
35:14That was four years ago.
35:17Not sure he's going to make the grand final at the moment.
35:19With two men still to come.
35:21Time is ticking away.
35:24And his energy seems to have gone.
35:26What about his spirit?
35:30Not enough.
35:31Didn't even get it off the ground at the end.
35:37Totally exhausted.
35:39Gave it his all.
35:40Great in the press though, wasn't he?
35:42Absolutely.
35:43Threw that up there.
35:45Nearly lost consciousness, but that's one in just under ten seconds.
35:49Foy-2 then.
35:54Andre Foy-2.
35:56He's hoping to cement his place in the grand final here.
36:00He knows that if he goes ahead of Boudreau, gets two up, that's absolutely guaranteed.
36:07And then of course, how far can he go to try and get points towards that grand final?
36:14That's what this is really all about now.
36:16Very impressive.
36:17He's a great presser.
36:19This is much, much heavier though.
36:22Yes, and much more unwieldy as well.
36:25We've seen competitors struggle to even work out how to get it off the ground.
36:29He's got his technique.
36:30Hug it.
36:32I like it.
36:33And lift it.
36:33Yeah, he went around the narrow section.
36:35That worked really well.
36:36Good for him.
36:37He's obviously thought about that a lot.
36:39Absolutely.
36:41He doesn't have the wingspan of a Tom Stallman.
36:43Why try and grab it the long way?
36:45Good for him.
36:45Now then, the Husserfeld section.
36:47Section three.
36:48Yes.
36:49A mighty chicken nugget.
36:50Yeah!
36:51Come on, Andre!
36:56That took a lot of energy just to try and bring it up to his chest
36:58rather than just getting going.
37:01That might pay off.
37:03He finishes this.
37:05I tell you, that's fast as well.
37:08I don't think he's going on to the last section, is he?
37:10He's done.
37:11He's done.
37:12Well, that's him in the final, Colin.
37:15Yeah, great effort.
37:16Tremendous effort.
37:17And with a good score in this as well.
37:21Just 23.
37:23The youngest man in the field.
37:26The youngest man in the final.
37:28His parents behind there.
37:32The Czech flags are flying.
37:33Great moment for them.
37:35And you know what?
37:36I don't think we've had a Czech in the final before.
37:39I don't know.
37:40Let me check.
37:43Check, mate, Colin.
37:45So, yeah, I've got to say it in the end.
37:46Trey Mitchell then.
37:48Expecting good things from him.
37:50Such a great mindset.
37:54On the whistle.
37:56And just sheer power as well.
37:58When it comes down to sheer horsepower.
38:00Trey's your man.
38:01He leans backwards.
38:07It looks awkward.
38:09It is awkward.
38:10He gets the press.
38:12Magnus for Magnuson's happy.
38:14He's not waiting around, Magnus, to give that signal.
38:16He realizes quite how difficult that is.
38:18Nice and slow.
38:22Nice and deliberate.
38:25Look at that.
38:27Down.
38:27He picks it the long way up.
38:29He twists it.
38:30As he's quaking it up to his shoulder.
38:32Very impressive power.
38:33Now then, the Hoosaf help.
38:35He's just got that walk, hasn't he, Trey Mitchell?
38:37That walk that says, right, what's next?
38:40What needs lifting?
38:41What needs carrying?
38:42That's the walk of a man with 40-inch quads.
38:45It's a unique one.
38:50That's a good time so far.
38:51He is tiring.
38:54But, again, that walk.
38:56What's next?
38:57What needs lifting?
38:59200 kilos stone, or nearly 200 kilos.
39:02About 430 pounds of tombstone.
39:07Oh, come on, Trey Mitchell.
39:10Nails it.
39:13With time to spare.
39:15Yes, absolutely.
39:161 minute 13 and a half for Trey Mitchell.
39:20And I've been checking.
39:22No pun intended, Colin.
39:24The last Czech competitor we had was Nemec in 1998.
39:28Didn't make it through the final.
39:29So, Poitou is, indeed, the first check in the final.
39:34And he'll be joining Trey Mitchell.
39:35Well, after missing out last year, good to see the big ticket back in the final again, making his fifth appearance there.
39:45Remarkably, he's the first American to make it through so far this year.
39:49Meanwhile, as we heard, also going through from the group for his first appearance is young Andre Foy, too.
39:55What a remarkable campaign he's had.
39:57And he's with Michel now.
39:58Andre Foy, congratulations on making your first World's Strongest Man final.
40:07How are you feeling?
40:08Thank you very much.
40:09I'm just really happy.
40:11It's a great feeling to be the first man from the Czech Republic to ever make the World's Strongest Man final.
40:16And, yeah, just happy, you know.
40:18I can't really put it to words what I'm feeling right now.
40:20I mean, clearly you are physically strong.
40:23But from a mental point of view, what does it take to have that preparation, the resilience, to secure your place as a finalist?
40:29Well, everything.
40:30I think the mental aspect of the sport is a bit more important than the actual physical aspect.
40:36So keeping the heads cool and really focusing on the goal is just what makes a good athlete.
40:41So what is the next step now then, Andre?
40:43Have you got your eyes on the podium?
40:45Well, I would be lying if I did in the back of my head.
40:47But for now, the goal is just to have fun tomorrow and after tomorrow.
40:51Well, enjoy it and congratulations again.
40:53Thank you very much.
40:55So making history for the Czech Republic, Foy, too.
40:58He'll be cheered on by his beloved cats, Gigi and Oliver.
41:03Before taking on Trey Mitchell in the final, a growing threat.
41:09A man who's been to the grand final before.
41:10He's finished fourth twice.
41:12Is this the year he steps up onto the podium?
41:17Trey Mitchell, back in the final where you belong.
41:19Great to see you there.
41:20Thank you so much for having me.
41:21I'm really looking forward to tomorrow.
41:23I've got to say, we saw you last year struggling with that Achilles tendon.
41:27Nowhere near your best.
41:28It's been such a tough road to recovery for you.
41:31Yeah, you know, last year at World Strongest Man, it was only six months post-surgery.
41:35So it wasn't 100%.
41:36And so, like, all last year leading up here was just a, you know, revenge arc.
41:41You know, just going like, oh, I've got to get back to 100%, even more.
41:45110% to get as strong as I can.
41:48You know, always looking to get to the next level.
41:50And, like, prove that, you know, even if I get injured, I'll still come back.
41:54And he has.
41:55Yeah, he has.
41:56I mean, 18 months on from a full Achilles rupture is incredible to be back top 10 in the world.
42:01I've got to say, mate, you're looking absolutely astronomically big.
42:05You've got to be over 400 pounds.
42:06No, actually, I'm actually lean.
42:08I'm 3.99.
42:09Yeah, 3.75.
42:10Oh, 3.75.
42:11Last time I weighed myself.
42:12I could have weighed a little bit more from getting all the snacks before I'm the concessionist in.
42:17Trey, you've missed out twice on the podium here at World Strongest Man.
42:21Two fourth place finishes.
42:22Are you going to make it this time?
42:23And what would that mean?
42:24Yeah, I definitely think I'm ready for a podium finish this year.
42:28And that's certainly a culmination, a highlight of my career.
42:33Right, and make that comeback worthwhile.
42:34Yeah, exactly.
42:35Excellent.
42:36Trey, congratulations.
42:37Only two more places left in the final to be filled.
42:39We'll see how those go next time out.
42:41In Heat 5, it features Luke Stallman looking leaner and possibly meaner than ever before.
42:45But it is in a group with Evan Singleton and Pablo Cordiaca.
42:48So he's going to have his work cut out if he is going to join his brother Tom in the final 10.
42:52And we'll see how they get on next time on the SPD World Strongest Man.
42:57And next time is tomorrow at 7.30.
43:01That's only if Bruce Willis can save planet Earth in the blockbuster flick Armageddon tonight at 10.30.
43:07Next, back to large muscles and a huge personality.
43:10We celebrate Geoff Keeps, Britain's greatest strongman, brand new after the break.
43:22Wolfgang Schulz, Britain's greatest strongman, male forison, побед mình.
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