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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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00:00Music
00:20Representing
00:22Tom Stolper
00:24It's the same stronger, Eddie Rillio!
00:37Paddy Hayes!
00:42Green Tower!
00:45Three's his butt, Eddie Rillio!
00:48Three's his butt, Eddie Rillio!
01:00SPD, 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 Hayes 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.
01:22Well, 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.
01:36It's been a long, hard road for me to get back here,
01:38if I'm being honest.
01:40My last World's Strongest Man was in 2021.
01:42I unfortunately tore my vice.
01:44It's been 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.
01:57As I was loading the last stone at Europe's Strongest Man,
02:01it was like a five-year snapshot reel,
02:05went through my mind.
02:07There's not many times that I sit there in my feelings and my thoughts
02:11and really think, wow, you've done something amazing here,
02:13but that was an exception for sure.
02:22I'm a man who won't take anything lying down.
02:24You know, I hit things head on and I think,
02:26you know, that's kind of what Strongman's all about, isn't it?
02:28It's a brutal sport, it's a sport for warriors,
02:30and I'm still here. I'm not going anywhere.
02:41Eddie Hall, great to see Luke Richardson back.
02:43How big a prospect was he when he first came through
02:46and how tough is it now for him to come back after that many knocks?
02:50He was an amazing prospect.
02:51I mean, he won Europe's Strongest Man at 22 years of age
02:54and usually people that win Europe's Strongest Man
02:57half the time go on and 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,
03:09six months lost experience each time.
03:11That's a lot he's lost out on.
03:13Other guys in this group have also had injury issues.
03:15Trey Mitchell, for example, last year we saw doing effectively
03:18the 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.
03:31He's back up to full strength and some.
03:33So Trey is looking really strong at the minute.
03:35Okay. Heat 4 stands ready.
03:36Let's find out more about them with our commentators,
03:38Danny Wallace and Colin Bryce.
03:41Well, thank you, James.
03:42Thanks, little Eddie.
03:46And here are our competitors for Heat 4 from Canada,
03:49the Wolverine.
03:50It is, of course, Maxime Boudreau.
03:55The young Czech, Andre Foytu.
03:57Just missed out on a final in his debut last year.
04:02From Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
04:06World's strongest cop, Tristan Hoeth.
04:08The big Texan, the big thicket, Trey Mitchell,
04:13twice fourth of World's strongest man.
04:17And two times Europe's strongest man, his third appearance here,
04:20the Brit, Luke Richardson.
04:26And event one, the loading medley, Colin.
04:28Yes, if you've seen the other heats, it's all about loading sacks,
04:31four of them into the back of a Cybertruck.
04:35Up first then, it is Luke Richardson.
04:43Game 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.
04:50A former farmhand.
04:55Certainly 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,
05:03and in it goes, and it's neck and neck at the moment.
05:06Richardson on the far side there.
05:08Man handles the second sack, and he's got a lead.
05:11Yes, Richardson has the speed.
05:15Mitchell, perhaps, the experience.
05:19Oh, no.
05:22Well, 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.
05:43The best were winning in around about 38,
05:44but good times somewhere in the 40s,
05:47and he does that, 49.
05:49Well, Trey Mitchell completes,
05:50but what has happened to Luke Richardson?
05:53This could be a disaster.
05:57Well, it was the face of a man who knows
05:59he's just had a fairly major injury.
06:03But he's been there before.
06:05There was no panic in his face.
06:06He just is another six months of recovery
06:08if it's what he thinks it is, eh?
06:10Muscle.
06:11Is it?
06:12Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together
06:13and show your appreciation for Luke Richardson!
06:19Ed's, of course, suffered bicep tears.
06:21It's, uh, the battle scars that you get from the operationist.
06:24This is a very common thing you see in Strongman.
06:27And, uh, that's bad luck.
06:30That's bad luck.
06:31Well, Trey Mitchell manages four in 49.38.
06:35So that's our benchmark for the others.
06:41Oh, boy.
06:42Partial, though.
06:44Fear.
06:45Just that bitter experience.
06:48Who knows exactly what's happened to you.
06:50Partial tear rather than a full tear.
06:53Have to wait to find out more on that.
06:56But Andre Foytu!
06:57All right, next pair.
06:58West the Czech will be paired against Tristan Hoess from Canada.
07:11Finished fifth in his debut in 2024.
07:15So impressive poet.
07:16On the whistle.
07:17Cop from Canada.
07:18He made the final.
07:19He had to call up the police department where he's from
07:20and ask him to have a little more time.
07:21Then finished fifth as well.
07:22I mean, really impressive across all different disciplines.
07:23He's very talented all-rounder.
07:24But right now it's Foytu.
07:25He's very much making the running.
07:26He's speeding along, isn't he?
07:27Foytu.
07:28Needs to make an impact quickly.
07:29One is doing that.
07:30Loaded three.
07:31Going back for the fourth and he's
07:35a good solid sprint there.
07:36but right now it's Foytu. He's very much making the running. He's speeding along isn't he Foytu.
07:42Needs to make an impact quickly. He's doing that. Loaded three, going back for the fourth and he's
07:50put in a good solid sprint there.
07:58So far. It's 49 seconds for Big Trey Mitchell in the first pairing.
08:05That was about 42. That's very quick. And Hoeth won't beat Mitchell.
08:12Oh, he hasn't exactly packed the back of that truck. Well, he left himself a wall to get over there.
08:17That's a man who doesn't do the shopping at home. Well said.
08:21Well, Hoeth manages four in 51.6 seconds.
08:25It's for Tristan Ho.
08:30For Foytu, that's quicker. Four in 42 and a half seconds.
08:34As he goes into first at the moment, we still have a singleton to come.
08:39from Andre Foytu. Over the team, of course.
08:48He didn't struggle at all. Right now, he's leading the way.
08:51Yes, Foytu with the fastest time. But once again,
08:58Luke Richardson with a heartbreakingly early finish. The loading race continues with Maxime Boudreau.
09:04When we return.
09:15Welcome back to the SPD World's Strongest Man.
09:18It's Group 4, where Luke Richardson has once again been forced to withdraw from the competition
09:24after a partial detachment of his bicep in the first event. It's a case of history repeating for Luke,
09:30who suffered the exact same fate four years ago.
09:35Luke, honestly, I don't know what to say. This feels like a very unsettling case of deja vu.
09:41Yeah, I am really good at tearing my bicep off in Sacramento, apparently. In Old Town Sacramento.
09:46It was the first event last time as well in 2021. I tore my left bicep and then now I've
09:50told my right bicep. I remember chatting to you back in 2021 and it was so gutting then.
09:56We all had our eyes on you within this event. It looked to be going so well. And then it all changed.
10:03Yeah, it's just, that's life, isn't it? I'm a positive person. Obviously, this stings. It'll
10:06probably sting a lot more later, physically and mentally. But yeah, I've got some tough decisions
10:12to make. I've been fine the last few years. I've got Laura, I've got my dog now. I've got my family
10:19and friends. Life's pretty good. I'll be honest. It was different last time to this time. So yeah,
10:26I'll make my mind up what I want to do and go from there. And this is the thing, Luke. You're
10:30a strong guy in more ways than one. You talk about the physical and the mental. It's been a journey
10:35for you, hasn't it, since 2021 to come back here and show what you're made of? Yeah, obviously,
10:39I wanted to come back here and get some level of indication because this is where it all started
10:43to go wrong for me in 2021. That's kind of when the series of injuries started. And it's just
10:47unfortunate that I've come back here and I seem to have continued on the same trend. But
10:52like I say, that's life. You know, you get knocked down, you get back up and I'm sure I'll get up from
10:56this one as well. So keep going. That's the thing. And that's what's inspiring about you.
11:00Thank you so much, Luke. And take it easy. It's all right. Thank you.
11:03Well, he's a battler, Luke Richardson. We'll see him again.
11:14And Boudreau, no stranger to injury either since we last saw him in 2022. He's broken his leg,
11:20torn his left lat, and torn his left bicep. But it's amazing what Superlue can do.
11:31Danny's joking, kids. Yes. Yes, to be clear, I'm judging.
11:35Well, Boudreau onto the second sack. Quick on his feet.
11:39Very quick indeed. On to the third one. So far, so good. Chasing down the best time. 42 on just
11:49over 42 seconds. Well, as Boudreau approaches 30. He's got this final awkward sack to lift. Much more
11:57awkward. Now it's going to be close. He hoisted that up quickly. He's got quick feet. It's going to be very
12:02close. Well, too close to call. Goodness me. He could have slipped up, tripped up. Anything
12:14going to happen there. He was gambling the lot. He knew it was going to be tight. Let's have a look
12:19at the time. Let's hear it from Maxime Boudreau. Well, four and 42.81. The second so close.
12:27Just three-tenths of a second behind the check. 42 with 42.55, who takes the loading medley.
12:39Andre, congratulations on winning your first event. Thank you. Thank you very much.
12:43How are you feeling going into the competition this year? Because you narrowly missed out on
12:47the final in last year's World Strongest Man, didn't you? Yeah, I was really nervous,
12:50especially with the competition that's here. Luckily, I got my parents in the stands. They're
12:55supporting me this year for the first time at Worlds, so I need to make them proud.
12:58What are the expectations and the plans going forward this year? This year, the goal is to
13:03get to the finals and then just have fun afterwards and get ready for next year. What about the change
13:09in the format? Is that going to adapt your strategy somewhat? Sort of, but the strategy is to do the
13:15best in every event, so I don't think it will affect me that much. Keep it up. Well done, Andre.
13:20Thank you very much. The youngest man in the field, top of the pile ahead of Boudreau,
13:26Mitchell and Hoth, with Lou Richardson now withdrawn. On to event two, and it's a duel on the deadlift.
13:33350 kilos to wait, 60 seconds to complete as many reps as possible. No one's beaten eight,
13:40so far at least, but to see how group four do, over to Colin and Danny.
13:43Tristan Hoth!
13:45The Canadian Tristan Hoth, she knows, up against Trey Mitchell from the USA.
13:56Familiar face here at World's Strongest Man.
13:58Very good deadlifter as well. So too Hoth, though. We saw that in the final last year.
14:04Now, Colin, explain the complicated rules here. Well, you grab the bar, stand up with it,
14:12put it back down again. Perfect, thank you very much. And Mitchell is doing that, Hoth as well.
14:17Down, down. Matching each other.
14:22Down, down. Well, we've seen from the other heats that have gone before,
14:26seven, often a winning number, but we have seen eight reps as well.
14:30Down, down. And Mitchell, it's like a forklift truck, isn't he? Just up and down, no problems.
14:36Already on to six.
14:39Down. That's Mitchell's found his rhythm, isn't he?
14:42Yeah, Hoth. You don't want to, you don't want to stop either,
14:44because if you stop, it's very unlikely you'll start again.
14:47We could see nine here. Hoth's struggling a little bit, but Mitchell does nine, I think. Yes,
14:52he's been given it. Could we have double figures? He's got time, 15 seconds to go.
14:57Well, look at this from Trey Mitchell. Locks out. That 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. And that could well be just about the best we'll see in
15:16Deadlift from any heat. That was extraordinary. Hoth too, though.
15:19Eight reps from Hoth in any other heat. My goodness, that would be a winner. So far,
15:25that would be the winner, yeah. And he just, uh, he's in the shade of Trey Mitchell here.
15:32And you saw it, ladies and gentlemen, with 10 repetitions. Well, if anyone can,
15:36Trey Mitchell can, 10 reps. What a marker. The farmer from Texas, certainly over his injury woes
15:48that he had last year and looking unbelievably strong. Look how brawny he is. I've never seen a
15:53thicker man in the chest. All right.
15:59Representing Canada, bear to tear your eyes away from Trey Mitchell. Here's Maxime Boudreau.
16:08Deadlifting is one of his weaknesses, actually.
16:10Andre Foytu.
16:13That's Adruna Saviscus. Four times the world's strongest man, enjoying the sights.
16:23He's taking a picture of himself.
16:28So, Foytu, Boudreau to the right. Quick start from Foytu. A new Boudreau would struggle here.
16:37He's got one, he'll be pleased with that. Means he doesn't zero in here and out.
16:41He's shakier, finding it more difficult. It is hot.
16:48He's taking a big breath in at the top. He doesn't want to lose his form at the bottom.
16:54Here we go. No, no, he didn't take it that time. That's him. That's done.
16:58Well, five for Foytu. Half of what Mitchell managed. Boudreau kind of relieved to have just done one.
17:07I mean, it's sensible if you think about it. It doesn't zero out in the event and you knew he wasn't going to do much more.
17:14So, why tire yourself?
17:18Well, Foytu takes third.
17:21Five reps. Pretty solid for him. He's not known for his deadlifting. He's really known for his pressing.
17:26And, of course, that's coming up next.
17:33Well, Foytu and Boudreau's struggles there, underlining how impressive Hotham Mitchell's performances were in that event.
17:38An exhibition of deadlift. And fresh from that monster ten reps, the man they call the thicket is with Michelle now.
17:45Trey, we can see you gave it your absolute all in that event. Did you feel like you were going to dominate this?
17:51Yes, deadlift is one of my favorite events and I'm really good at it. I was aiming for nine to ten reps and really happy.
17:58I, you know, wasn't really counting, you know, kind of just went into the zone and just tried to maintain the steady rhythm.
18:06And just the last couple of reps, like a kind of losing a little bit of gas and 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. I mean, if we reverse back to last year, you were still suffering from your torn Achilles.
18:26How's training been this year? Are you feeling injury free?
18:30Like a 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, made me come back and, like, have the confidence to be able to push it in this event.
18:47And what's the strategy going forward? Have 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, so I think I can really push that for, you know, top three in that event.
19:12Fingers crossed we see you there. Well done, Trey.
19:14Yeah, thank you so much, Michelle.
19:15Well, Trey'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.
19:29The Texan, well, Texan's stopping, but 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, and this week, the seat of real power with the SPD World's Strongest Man, Squirrel.
19:53Next 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.
20:05First out in the Sacramento Sun, Maxime Boudreau and Andre Foytu, two masters of the discipline.
20:12Speaking of which, over to Colin Price and Danny Wallace.
20:14Well, thank you, James.
20:20Yes, seven reps in total.
20:23Well, it's fair to say Boudreau will be looking forward to this tremendous presser, and so too, Colin, Foytu.
20:30Two massive power pressers in these two.
20:34Former 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?
20:49Boudreau, 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.
21:03Boudreau 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.
21:22It'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.
21:30Got to be careful as you drop it, that's for sure.
21:33Boudreau for the second rep.
21:34And 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.
22:03Even just on its own.
22:05Never mind what was done before it in this medley.
22:08Boudreau, 6 and 57.99 seconds.
22:10And then 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, and Mitchell Hooper from the other heats,
22:33have bettered that.
22:36Representing Canada, Tristan Hull.
22:39Another Canadian.
22:40The World's Strongest Cop.
22:43Tristan Hull.
22:45Against the Texan.
22:48Trey Mitchell.
22:51What a lovely character here at World's Strongest.
22:55Yeah, big thicket, as he's known.
22:57Great presser.
23:01Of course, Hull has proven to be a, really a tremendous all-rounder.
23:06Perhaps the medley setup suits someone like him a little bit better.
23:10Down.
23:10Down.
23:12Down.
23:14Under the log.
23:15It's like he's pressing nothing over his head.
23:24It's just so easy for him.
23:25That 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.
23:34Onto the circus barbell.
23:36So far, so good for the Texan.
23:38Gosh, just bouncing it off that power belly and rolling it up.
23:41He's got good flexibility as well.
23:44Sitting 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?
23:54Definitely has the power belly ledge to do it.
23:59Well, it's going to be tight.
24:01He does lock out.
24:03The official time there is Hull has.
24:08It's going to have five seconds.
24:10So lock this one out.
24:12Pushes through, manages it.
24:15Just in time.
24:16Just in time.
24:19Magnus definitely gave him the down signal.
24:21So he'll be credited with six lifts, but seven lifts for the Texan.
24:25Very impressive.
24:26There you go.
24:27Six in one minute, 13 for the Canadian.
24:30Once again, grinding out a good result.
24:33What 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.
24:45He got 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.
25:01Well, what an impressive group of pressers.
25:05Foytus takes first though.
25:07Mitchell just behind.
25:08Three 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, Eddie.
25:24Event two.
25:25I know you'll have enjoyed that.
25:26Thoroughly enjoyed that.
25:2710 repetitions at 350 kilo.
25:29So that 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 and beat him so narrowly
25:39but still beat him in the overhead medley.
25:42Yeah.
25:42I 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?
25:57I 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 Howeth is going to have a go at right now.
26:23Those two people couldn't make it.
26:27Also representing Canada.
26:30And 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.
26:50And 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.
27:06So he can really launch it.
27:07Very explosive.
27:09Those men really going for it.
27:12They're having 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.
28:17Trey Mitchell's turn.
28:19It's the big thicket.
28:21It 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.
28:41I'd love to.
28:42At some point, I'd like to shout a checkmate.
28:45So let's see what's going on.
28:47You could shout Foytos.
28:49Could do.
28:50The 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.
29:04And 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.
29:15Both men really struggling with this.
29:17Struggling to get the trajectory right there.
29:19Both of them.
29:19I won't be able to say checkmate yet.
29:22That's three for Foytu.
29:2511.41.
29:29Not his favourite 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.
29:48You know, I think Trey Mitchell knows he could have done a couple more.
29:53There were a few sloppy misses.
29:55And again, probably just rushed it.
29:58Well, that round of skybags tightens things up again in this group.
30:03Maxine Boudreau taking maximum points.
30:05He's our third different winner from four events.
30:08He celebrates now with Michelle.
30:12Maxine, 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.
30:25But it is what it is.
30:26I just keep playing, keep working.
30:28And let's climb up to get to the finals.
30:30Now, this place as a whole.
30:32I 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.
30:46Well, it's great to see you.
30:48Well done, Maxine.
30:48Perfect.
30:49Thanks a lot, guys.
30:51Well, just three points now separating these four men with Foyto and Mitchell level.
30:56Boudreau just a point behind and Hoth close behind him.
30:58Which of the four will be heading to the grand final?
31:03Well, it'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 Andre Foyto and Texan Trey Mitchell leading the group level on points.
31:30But two Canadians, Tristan Hoth and Maxine Boudreau, just a stone's throw behind.
31:35And the decider is the natural stone medley.
31:38Four rocks of different 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.
31:50So, yes, the natural stone medley.
31:55Ready?
31:56Hoth.
31:56On the whistle.
31:57First to take on one of these extremely heavy, extremely unwieldy stones.
32:05He has to press this over his head.
32:09That's the trickiest bit, balancing it.
32:12One of these guys can press over 120 kilos, some of them with ease.
32:17So, anyway, he gets through onto this very awkward-shaped stone.
32:22He's got a weight to his shoulder, and he's almost 350 pounds, 160 kilos, nigh on.
32:31Ergen arm out and drop it.
32:34Do the arm out to prove you're in control.
32:37And it looks fabulous.
32:38It does, yes.
32:40Now, onto this unwieldy stone.
32:44Based on the famous Icelandic stone.
32:47Yes, the Husserfeld.
32:48Now, there, 400 pounds of stone.
32:53Round the barrel and back, and 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, as you heard?
33:10He's now got under 20 seconds to get this up.
33:12I think he's tombstoned.
33:17He's not only beaten.
33:19Always grinds out results.
33:21Can he do it?
33:21No, not this time.
33:24Well, didn't manage the tombstone.
33:28Tied out by the carry, I think.
33:30The time of 1.04.
33:313 in 1.04.
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.
34:05The Wolverine.
34:08He's two points ahead of Hoeth coming into this.
34:12He wants to get a clean press straight away.
34:14Oh, chucks it up.
34:15Yep.
34:16Just threw that up.
34:19Very impressive.
34:20At what cost, though?
34:22I don't think that's a joke.
34:25He'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.
34:44In the heat.
34:45On a black surface.
34:46Trying to lift extraordinarily heavy things.
34:50How would you do it?
34:53No.
34:54It's only just dawned on me.
34:55Well, 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.
35:13That was four years ago.
35:17Not sure he's going to make the grand final at the moment with two men still to come.
35:21Time is ticking away.
35:24And his energy seems to have gone.
35:26What about his spirit?
35:27Not enough.
35:35Couldn't even get it off the ground at the end.
35:37Totally exhausted.
35:39Gave it as 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.
36:33Lift 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!
36:51Go on, Andre!
36:56That took a lot of energy just to try and bring it up to his chest rather than just getting going.
37:01That might pay off.
37:03He finishes this.
37:04I'll tell you, that's fast as well.
37:08I don't think he's going on to the last section, is he?
37:09That's good.
37:10He's done.
37:11He's done.
37:13Well, that's him in the final, Colin.
37:15Yeah, great effort.
37:16Tremendous effort.
37:17And with a good score in this as well.
37:18Just 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.
37:40Representing the United States of America.
37:43Checkmate, Colin.
37:45So yeah, I've got to say it at the end.
37:46Trey Mitchell then.
37:48Expecting good things from him.
37:50Such a great mindset.
37:55On the whistle.
37:56And just sheer power as well.
37:58When it comes down to sheer horsepower.
38:00Trey's your man.
38:01Let's go, buddy.
38:06Leans backwards.
38:08It looks awkward.
38:09It is awkward.
38:10Down.
38:10He gets the press.
38:12Magnus where Magnus is happy.
38:14He's not waiting around, Magnus, to give that signal.
38:16He realizes quite how difficult that is.
38:21Nice 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 pointing it up to his shoulder.
38:32Very impressive power now then.
38:34The Hoosip 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.
38:46It'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.
39:19Ladies and gentlemen, through to his skin.
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.
39:32And 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 Michelle now.
39:58Andre, 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.
40:35So 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, 42.
40:59He'll be cheered on by his beloved cats, Gigi and Oliver.
41:02Before taking on Trey Mitchell in the final, a growing threat.
41:09A man who's been to the grand final before he'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.
41:30Yeah, 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, 110% 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 399.
42:09Yeah, 375.
42:10375.
42:11Last time I weighed myself.
42:12I could have weighed a little bit more from getting all the snacks before I'm the concession stand.
42:17Trey, you've missed out twice on the podium here at World Strongest Man.
42:21Two fourth place finishers.
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.
42:33And 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.
42:58And 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.
43:06Next, back to large muscles and a huge personality.
43:11We celebrate Geoff Capes, Britain's greatest strongman, brand new, after the break.
43:15We celebrate Geoff Capes, Britain's greatest strongman, brand new, after the break.
43:16We celebrate Geoff Capes, Britain's greatest strongman, brand new, after the break.
43:17We celebrate Geoff Capes, Britain's greatest strongman, brand new, after the break.
43:18We celebrate Geoff Capes, Britain's greatest strongman, brand new, after the break.
43:19We celebrate Geoff Capes, Britain's greatest strongman, brand new, after the break.
43:20Yes!
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