- 3 weeks ago
The World's Strongest Man - Season 2025 Episode 10 -
The Finals: Heat 5
The Finals: Heat 5
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00:00.
00:12.
00:17.
00:23.
00:28Vincio HIPAA
00:32Pani Hayes
00:36Jay Flowers
00:39Let's hear it from Raynaudown
00:43Luke Richardson
00:48Ole Boyzoo
00:54Trey Mitchell
01:00Eight men already through to the final of our SPD World's Strongest Man. Today it's time for our last qualifying group, P5, featuring one of the most talked about strongmen of all.
01:23Luke Stoltman. In some ways, Luke's like this Sacramento River. Broad, colourful, strong and just keeps rolling along.
01:33For ten years, Luke's been coming to this competition and for the last four, he's made the final. At the age of 40, how's his current form? Let's ask the old man himself.
01:43I'm still here at 40. You know, winning shows, still doing well. Probably feeling better than I did when I was 30 years old, so.
01:53I'm in good shape. Physically, if you look at me, I look in good shape. Coming in a lot lighter. Feeling good.
02:05Number one, I want to come and enjoy myself this year. And I want to be there for Tom. That's my goal. To do anything, to give anything I need to Tom.
02:17When we set out on this journey, it was to cement that kind of legacy of the strongest brothers to ever live. And we've achieved that. We've done that. I'm happy. I'm finding a little bit of joy in life now. Quite a lot of joy. Which is really nice.
02:37Luke Stoltman. We've seen so many young strongmen qualifying for the final this year. Luke, almost the last of his generation. How's he going to fare?
02:48Yeah, he kind of is. He's just turned 40 years of age. But them Scottish are built to last. I think he's lost weight because of his age. You know, he protects his joints, his heart, his lungs.
02:57And it kind of suits the Giants live shows. He's just won Britain's strongest man. Very suited to that. Very cardiovascular heavy. But Will's strongest man, a lot heavier. A lot more draught out. It's a lot heavier competition. I think he's going to struggle a little bit more out here.
03:10He's in a tough group as well. Let's find out who's in Heat 5. It is Danny Wallace and Colin Bryce with The Breakdown.
03:17Well, thanks, James. Thanks, Eddie. Yes, the final group. Who will make it through to the final?
03:22Well, will it be the Brit? Andy Flynn trains in his shed in Peacehaven.
03:27Or from San Antonio, Texas, the official Strongman Games champion, Nick Gardione.
03:33Familiar face. A welcome face. Handsome. Pav, it's Kordiaka.
03:38Third at World's Strongest Man last year, the mighty Evan Singleton.
03:42And he lives for his Nutella calzones on cheat days. It's Stoltman.
03:48And we begin with the loading medley.
03:50Yes, four sacks, 130 kilos each.
03:54They get further and further away from the Cybertruck that they have to load it into.
04:00So first up, it's Flying Flynn. That's what they call him.
04:07It's in the railway industry.
04:11He'll be going head-to-head against T-Rex's Evan Singleton.
04:16Big year for Singleton.
04:21Made it onto the podium for the first time last year in Myrtle Beach.
04:25Andy Flynn, debutante.
04:27No doubt feeling pretty nervous up against Evan Singleton.
04:31In his first ever event.
04:34But he's very fit, very fast.
04:35We saw that at Britain's Strongest Man.
04:37And he's neck and neck with Big Evan at the moment.
04:40Yes, Flynn came third at Britain's Strongest Man.
04:45He's got that tenacity.
04:48He's matching Singleton here.
04:51Maybe even slightly ahead.
04:53Oh no!
04:53Well, we've seen this happen before.
04:57Yeah, Luke Richardson tore his bicep in this event.
05:00And at one of the earlier heats, Andy Flynn onto the fourth.
05:03He's walked off Singleton, so it must be pretty bad.
05:07Now to the final and most awkward of the sacks, this shield.
05:11Well, he's 43-44.
05:16This is a solid time.
05:17Anything in the 40s, especially the mid-40s, is going to be a good time.
05:21We've seen the very best.
05:23The likes of Hooper and Stoltman from other heats doing 38.
05:27But they're the only ones under 40, I believe.
05:31Well, four in 45 and a half seconds for Andrew Flynn.
05:34That's a great start.
05:37That's certainly a good benchmark for all the others.
05:39As for Evan Singleton, the big favourite from this group.
05:43Something tells me he might be out.
05:44He wouldn't have stopped otherwise.
05:48Well, it's not looking good for Singleton.
05:51Or the Americans, perhaps.
05:52He was the greatest hope for this competition.
05:55Oh, I would say so, yeah.
05:56And with only Trey Mitchell through so far from the other four heats.
05:59This is the last heat.
06:01Well, everything rests on Nick Gardiot now.
06:06Let's see what he's got.
06:09Friends at the heavy metal gym.
06:13He's got the hand movements to match.
06:14In lane two, representing Great Britain, the reigning Britain's strongest man, Luke Stoltman.
06:21And the Highland Oak from Invergordon.
06:25An old hand at this, Luke Stoltman.
06:27Ready.
06:31He's lost the middle of the way.
06:33He's shooting pretty quick, Luke.
06:34He's normally quite good at these kind of events.
06:36And if he's 10 kilos down, then his speed may well have gone up despite hitting 40.
06:42Nick Gardiot, though, this guy is immense.
06:44We saw him at the official Strongman Games.
06:46You know, there was hundreds of people took part.
06:49He was the winner across a battery of tests.
06:53So he is really good.
06:54And Gardiot, quick on his feet.
06:57But like you say, he's now witnessing a faster Stoltman.
07:00It's the final sack.
07:04It's a lift and a turn.
07:09Stoltman's almost there.
07:10In fact, he's going for it.
07:11Can he just pip him at the end?
07:14Well, it looked pretty neck and neck to me.
07:17I thought his hands were off first, actually.
07:18Really?
07:19I think he might have done it.
07:19Yes, I think he did it.
07:21Well, that's experience, isn't it?
07:23From Stoltman.
07:24Crackingly then from Gardiot as well.
07:29I think Gardiot just felt like he's in the lead.
07:32Everything's going to be fine.
07:34And then Stoltman diving through at the end.
07:37Does Gardiot just look over at the end?
07:39I don't think he even knew it was happening.
07:41There you go.
07:46So four in 41.34.
07:49Give it up for Nick Gardiot.
07:50Having learned a lesson in that fast hands.
07:52Nick Gardiot.
07:58The Stoltman.
08:00Changed gear, didn't he?
08:01He's done it.
08:02Four in 41.21.
08:06We still have one man to come,
08:08but in a tenth of a second,
08:10he managed to pit Gardiot in there.
08:12And he must have been a good four or five meters down at the start
08:14on that last little sprint.
08:16Well done.
08:17A great start for one man,
08:19but an early end, sadly, for another.
08:21Evan Singleton once again out of World's Strongest Man.
08:25Damn it!
08:26When we return, the battle continues for Group 5,
08:31with Luke in the lead,
08:33and this man ready to roll.
08:35Welcome back to Sacramento,
08:49where Event 1 has already served a reminder
08:51of the grueling nature of this sport.
08:54Last man to go in the loading medley
08:56is Ukraine's very own Pablo Kordiaka.
08:59Over to Colin and Danny.
09:00In lane one, representing Ukraine.
09:04So, all on his own.
09:05Pablo Kordiaka.
09:06Pablo Kordiaka from Ukraine.
09:10Remarkable athlete.
09:12Fast.
09:13Ready.
09:14Powerful.
09:14On the whistle.
09:16Wait for this.
09:16Yes, and he has a way of just making it into the final as well.
09:22He's not the bulkiest man, that's for sure.
09:25It's more like he's carved out of granite.
09:27He's got some incredible abs, does Pav.
09:30Well, these are fast lifts.
09:34Very fast deliveries.
09:38He's pretty much on course with what Hooper and Stoltman did.
09:42They were around about 24 seconds for the third one.
09:45I think he could be another man under 40 seconds.
09:49Whether he can match what Hooper and Stoltman did.
09:5238 and change.
09:53We'll see.
09:53Goodness me, that's fast from Kordiaka.
09:56He threw it from a meter out.
10:01He's happy with that.
10:02Good time, says Magnus there.
10:06Look at this.
10:07Look how early he gets his hands off this.
10:09He really does throw it.
10:12Very impressive.
10:14Well, that's all four for Kordiaka.
10:1738.61.
10:19Which is actually the second fastest time of all 25 men.
10:24That gives him the win.
10:26Kordiaka.
10:29Well, there certainly was loads going on in our opening event of this group.
10:33T-Rex's sad withdrawal.
10:35Stoltman's stealing second.
10:37And that blistering turn from Pavlo to take top spot.
10:40And get top less.
10:42Oh, nature.
10:43He's with Michel.
10:44Pav, you absolutely smashed it out there.
10:46I mean, you're looking fighting fit.
10:48Yeah, I'm fit.
10:48I'm fast.
10:49I'm athletic.
10:49You know, and I just started slow to make sure I'm good and didn't take dizziness.
10:55And now, they're just accelerating with every box.
11:00I hear, though, you have had a bit of a problem with your knee.
11:02Not that we saw any signs of it just now.
11:05Yeah, my knee's really bad, but I'm just trying to turn back on my right knee.
11:12Is it something that you're concerned about at all with the rest of the events and the competition?
11:19Overhead medley.
11:20And maybe for instant press, this is the one good effect for my knee.
11:27Step by step.
11:28Great start.
11:29Well done, Pav.
11:30Thank you very much.
11:32So, handsome Pav in pole position after one event.
11:35And the group already down to 10 men, of course, after Evan Singleton's injury.
11:40Next up, it's the deadlift for reps.
11:43350 kilos on the bar.
11:4560 seconds to lock out as many lifts as possible.
11:4810 is the maximum anyone's done this week.
11:50Can Group 5 beat that?
11:52Over to Colin and Danny.
11:54First up, Nick Guardione from Texas.
12:00First time here.
12:02Got a strong look.
12:05Went up against another debutant.
12:08This one from Britain, Andrew Flynn.
12:12So, interesting to see what both these men can do.
12:15I don't think Andrew Flynn's static strength is quite what Guardione's is, but a chance to step up and prove you can do it, that's for sure.
12:25What a moment for him.
12:26And with Singleton out, of course, Stoltman and Kordiaker to come, neither of whom are that great at deadlift.
12:33This is a great opportunity for these two guys.
12:37And it's Guardione.
12:39He's setting the pace right now.
12:41He's got his rhythm.
12:42Struggling on the lockout though, what's this?
12:44Battles through it.
12:46This is difficult once it's down.
12:49Very difficult to lift it back up again, but Flynn carries on.
12:56Everyone's different biomechanics.
12:58Everyone has different hard bits to the lift.
13:01Flynn didn't struggle with the lockouts, but there he did.
13:03But six reps is big for Flynn.
13:08Guardione who has 15 seconds left.
13:11Finds himself two behind here.
13:14It's a bit of a shock.
13:16Well, that's that from both men.
13:21It's quite a fast puller off the floor, and it's just not suited with these really thick bars.
13:26You get no bend, no whip.
13:29He struggled with that.
13:30Four reps for him.
13:33And the guardiode.
13:36But leading.
13:38And happy about it.
13:39Andrew Flynn.
13:41Six reps.
13:46He has way more than Andy Flynn thought he was going to get.
13:48Massive performance from him.
13:50And hey, he might actually win the heat now, Singleton's out.
13:53He's not got one of them in his shed.
13:55He might too.
13:57Representing Ukraine, Pavlo Kordiaka.
14:02Handsome Pav.
14:03Kordiaka.
14:04Representing great Britain.
14:06Up against Luke Stoltman.
14:12One half of his Stolt men.
14:16Yes, can he join his big baby brother in the grand final?
14:21Now Singleton's out.
14:22You would expect him to.
14:23He's probably pretty similar to Kordiaka in terms of who's the favorite now to make it through.
14:29This is fast from Kordiaka.
14:33Six to beat.
14:33And he's halfway there already.
14:36Yes, he's worked hard at his deadlift.
14:41And he's looking quite solid actually Kordiaka Stoltman.
14:45A little disappointing on two.
14:51Encouragement from the crowd.
14:53Can he lock this out for five?
14:55Can he lock this out for five?
14:57It makes me this is tough.
14:58We are talking nearly 800 pounds.
15:00It's a heck of a weight to do repetitions at.
15:04Well, that's that.
15:06He's experienced enough to know that that will do.
15:09With two reps given up for Luke Stoltman.
15:12For Luke Stoltman.
15:14A little disappointing.
15:15A little surprising.
15:18I'm not sure what happened to Luke there but certainly Pavlo is pretty pleased with his fault.
15:22So he should be.
15:26These reps, well, they might not pass in a powerlifting meet.
15:29But you cannot rest it on your quads like that.
15:33It certainly is a loud and strong man.
15:35Anything goes.
15:35Just get it up.
15:41Don't get double part.
15:43Some back pain.
15:45What I'll say is it's just Kappers and balls there.
15:47Kappers is all at 40, mate.
15:49You're going to start making a satisfied noise after you sip your tea next.
15:53I'm sure Luke could do with a Kappa after that disappointing performance.
15:57Just two reps there, bottom of the group.
16:00Up top, though, how about Andrew Flynn with his maiden event win at World's Strongest Man?
16:05He's with Michelle.
16:08Andrew, you're looking as proud as punch.
16:10And rightly so.
16:11How are you feeling?
16:12Yeah, that's the result I would hope would happen.
16:15It kind of happened, yeah.
16:16That was good.
16:16I enjoyed that.
16:17How does it feel to be against, I mean, some of the OGs within World's Strongest Man?
16:22Surreal.
16:22Very surreal.
16:23I didn't even expect to be here.
16:24So to actually be on the same stage as them, in the same place, doing it, yeah, it's very
16:28surreal to me.
16:28Do you think it'll sink in?
16:29No, it never will.
16:31Maybe give it a couple of years or after this, a couple of days, it might sink in, but no,
16:34not now.
16:34Talk to me about the training leading up to the competition.
16:37How's it been for you?
16:38Grim.
16:39Grueling.
16:39Yeah, it's been really hard, actually.
16:41I haven't been, like, posting much on social media because everything's been really tough
16:44to do.
16:45But then coming here, you're kind of pink, full of a comp, and now's the time to kind of shine
16:49and show what you've got.
16:50It seems like you're taking it all in your stride and, dare I say, enjoying the experience.
16:55Oh, I'm loving this.
16:56Yeah, I'd do this any day of the week.
16:57I'd thoroughly enjoy this.
16:59That's good to hear.
17:00Thank you very much.
17:00Well done.
17:01Cheers.
17:02Andrew Flynn moving into second place now in the group.
17:06Kuriaka stays top, one and a half points clear.
17:08Stoltman slips to fourth of four.
17:11It's Luke's favourite event up next, though, the overhead medley.
17:15How will the mighty Flynn and the Highland Oak Fair?
17:18We'll find out when we return.
17:33Welcome back to Sacramento.
17:35Here in California's state capital, it's the final day of qualifying, and all four remaining
17:40men in Group 5 have a shot at a spot in this year's grand final.
17:44Event 3 is the overhead medley.
17:46Four implements to be pressed overhead for a combined seven reps, all inside 75 seconds.
17:52Back to Colin and Danny.
17:53Thanks, James.
17:56Yes, if you enjoy dumbbells and logs, we have the event for you.
18:01It's Guadioni.
18:03We have Stoltman.
18:05We've got dumbbells, we've got logs, we've got circus barbells, axles.
18:10Get your axles.
18:12Here we go.
18:13A full smorgasbord of pressing implements.
18:16Two with this.
18:18Two reps, and then on to the next one.
18:20The log, two reps at that.
18:23Two reps with the circus barbell.
18:26Finally, one with the axle.
18:29Look at that.
18:30Straight up for Stoltman.
18:31315 pounds.
18:36Just over 145 kilograms, each one of these.
18:42Very strong.
18:43Bagley on it.
18:46Circus barbell.
18:48Stoltman is a presser, though.
18:49I mean, this is absolutely his bread and butter.
18:52What he lacks in the deadlift, he makes up for in this.
18:54No, he didn't get that press there.
19:00Stoltman for number two there.
19:02Yes, and he's on to the axle.
19:05Such form, isn't it?
19:06Such technique from Stoltman.
19:09This is...
19:10I was going to say, it's tricky.
19:11Of course it's tricky.
19:12Look at it.
19:13That bar.
19:15Very little give in it.
19:17Very thick.
19:22Ooh, and he's run out of puff.
19:23They're all getting heavier and heavier
19:25when you're getting more tired all the time.
19:28Well, that's it.
19:30Out of time.
19:34Would have been a great run from Stoltman.
19:36This was the moment.
19:38Gaglioni managed the circus barbell.
19:40With five optics in a time of 107.85.
19:44Managed five.
19:46In 107.85.
19:50Some wasted effort from him, missing one of the reps.
19:53In a time of 49.98.
19:56And just shy of the axle.
19:57Six in 49.98 for Stoltman.
20:01Just looks so comfortable all the way to his last circus barbell,
20:05but didn't even really give it a good go.
20:08He just ran out of puff.
20:09Tired.
20:10Said no more.
20:11Andrew Flynn.
20:11Andrew Flynn.
20:12Andrew Flynn.
20:12Andrew Flynn.
20:14So Andrew Flynn up next.
20:16He's been attacking this competition.
20:21Representing Ukraine.
20:22Kordiaka.
20:23Pavlo Kordiaka.
20:25Alone no longer.
20:26Kordiaka.
20:2690 kilo dumbbell.
20:37It's around about 13 and a half, 14 stone.
20:42Just chucking up overhead one arm.
20:45Kordiaka has a background in weightlifting.
20:48Anything overhead is really his bread and butter as well.
20:55And that was really quick, really snappy.
20:57This is good work from Flynn as well.
21:02Continue to surprise and impress.
21:05Kordiaka.
21:05Kordiaka.
21:06Wow.
21:07Oh, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.
21:09Look at the technique.
21:13Kordiaka really could have posed for all the textbooks, couldn't he?
21:17Yes.
21:17Yes, indeed.
21:20Andrew Flynn taking a knock there.
21:21He's got one more to do.
21:23Kordiaka onto the axle.
21:25And he'll have to fancy his chances at nailing this.
21:30He's got the technique.
21:31Now, can he clean it?
21:32That'll be the hard part.
21:33Can he get it to his chest?
21:34He's got 10 seconds.
21:39Flynn beaten.
21:41Kordiaka too, it seems.
21:48Well, well, well.
21:49Andy Flynn.
21:51Managed to get one rep up in the circus barbell.
21:57Didn't run out of time for the second.
21:58Just ran out of steam, I think.
22:00With five objects in a time of 46.99.
22:03Let's hear it for Andrew Flynn.
22:05Let's hear it for Andrew Flynn.
22:06Let's hear it for Andrew Flynn.
22:06Let's hear it for Andrew Flynn.
22:07For Andrew Flynn.
22:09He takes third in this event.
22:11With six objects in a time of 46.35.
22:16The winner of the only...
22:1746 and 46.35 is faster than Stoltman.
22:19Kordiaka.
22:20Well, I guess that's probably why he didn't try too hard at the axle.
22:26He'd beaten Stoltman.
22:28He'd done enough.
22:28But then again, everything counts towards the grand final.
22:31So, with the overhead medley done, it's Luke Stoltman, Pablo Kordiaka, the vets who come
22:40out top.
22:41He only wants to manage six objects.
22:45Three events in then.
22:46Here's how Heat 5 stands.
22:48Evan Singleton's untimely exit, his T-Rex hit, has really opened up the group for the
22:53others.
22:54Pablo Kordiaka racing into a three and a half point lead.
22:56With Andrew Flynn and Luke Stoltman there, jostling for second spot.
23:01First of all, Eddie, how well is Andrew Flynn doing in his first appearance here?
23:05Doing really good.
23:05Winning the deadlift with six reps.
23:08Proving that he's earned his place here at Wheel of Strongest Man.
23:11Very good.
23:11Luke, though, is gunning for his fifth consecutive appearance in the World's Strongest Man final.
23:16Who's got the better edge, do you think, in the next two events?
23:18Well, look at the events coming up.
23:19The Titans start to the sandbag toss and the stone medley.
23:22And Luke, being Scottish, very acquainted with the Highland Games, I mean, all he's
23:27done his whole life is throw things over obstacles and lift heavy stones.
23:31So I'm afraid it's down to Luke.
23:32Right, and if so, we'll see how they get on very shortly.
23:34First of all, let's just catch up on how poor Evan Singleton is feeling.
23:37He's with Michelle.
23:39Evan, we know how confident you are coming into the competition this year.
23:43We saw you last year finishing third on that podium.
23:47And we're really excited to see you top that, potentially, this year.
23:51Just tell us what happened in that first event, the loading medley.
23:55Yeah, so as soon as the whistle blew, I ran to the first implement.
23:58The first sandbag, the second it left the ground, I guess my arm was a little bit too
24:02extended.
24:03And the proximal bicep decided it just wanted to not work anymore.
24:07So how are you feeling now?
24:09Physically, it's a little tender, but I'm still able to straighten it, pronate and all of
24:15that without many issues.
24:16So I'm hoping that it'll be a faster recovery.
24:21Mentally?
24:22Mentally, I'm just trying to keep myself distracted.
24:25It's, I would, I'll go on record saying that this is probably the most disappointing because
24:31I was 100% convinced that not only can I hang with Tom and Mitch, but I can beat them.
24:36We know that you have battled through injuries in the past.
24:40You've come back bigger, better, stronger.
24:43Even though you've got that disappointment right now, is that something that's still
24:46in the back of your mind that you are going to be back here and you are going to dominate?
24:50Oh, absolutely.
24:51Yeah.
24:51Like as disappointed, saddened and depressed as I am right now, it's not going to, I can
24:57promise you this.
24:58It's not going to waver both my belief that I can win this competition and my determination
25:02to come back next year, bigger, stronger, and to take my first World's Strongest Man title.
25:07We'll be ready and waiting for you, Evan.
25:09Thank you very much.
25:13The T-Rex will be back.
25:14That bench might not be, but on to more immediate matters now and event four, the Titans Toss.
25:20Over to Colin and Danny.
25:25Thanks, James.
25:27Yes.
25:28My favourite event, I think.
25:30The Titans Toss.
25:32And the Texan.
25:33Guardione is going to be going head-to-head with another newbie from Pinshaven.
25:42Andrew Flying Flynn.
25:47Those two people up and turn up again.
25:49Well, I can tell you that Andy Flynn wasn't very confident in doing well here in the warm-up.
25:56Guardione, he's pretty sure he's going to do well.
25:58He looks impressive.
26:01Goodness me, he almost threw it off the end of the stage there, Guardione.
26:04So far, so good for Flynn.
26:05He's got the first four over.
26:08And it's an interesting event, this.
26:10You have to constantly recalibrate what you're doing as you get further from the bar.
26:15Different angle every time, and Guardione almost got that one wrong.
26:19Went way too high with it.
26:22Well, Flynn.
26:23Well, it's a good tournament of dance there.
26:25Maybe that's why they call him Flying Flynn.
26:27I think we're reaching the edge of what he's able to do here.
26:31It is very far away.
26:33And Guardione.
26:37That's terrible.
26:39That's not what you do at all.
26:41I think he's just resetting.
26:43And up it goes.
26:45But ultimately, it wasn't to be.
26:49I mean, it's a new event for these guys.
26:50For Nick Guardione and Andrew Flynn.
26:53I don't think that was two efforts for the last sack, by the way.
26:58Flying Flynn.
26:59Calling Flynn.
27:01Get up, Flynn.
27:06With six sandbags at a time of 20.16.
27:09Well, six in just over 20 seconds for Andrew Flynn.
27:14You've got to be happy with that.
27:15I don't think it would be too disappointed at all, actually.
27:19And eight in 28.38 for the Texan.
27:26Lots of passing worries tooting their horns now.
27:28Good technique, Guardione.
27:34He just got some of the angles wrong.
27:37Pretty much had the power to do all 10.
27:39On to Luke Stoltman.
27:40Luke Stoltman.
27:41Luke Stoltman.
27:42Luke Stoltman.
27:43Age 40.
27:4440, of course, normally the age we put the Stoltman down.
27:48But now Stoltman to live.
27:52Up against Kordiakia.
28:00That's all true, kids.
28:04We don't know.
28:05We don't know.
28:06Under the way.
28:09Here we go.
28:10Kordiakia in his pink shoes.
28:13The Ukrainian really explosive.
28:14If anyone can do all 10 in this heat, it'll be him.
28:19This is huge from the place, man, Kordiakia.
28:24Just clanging the bar twice.
28:27The nerves are getting the better of him.
28:29He's getting the wrong trajectory.
28:30That was okay, I think, was it?
28:32No, he's falling short now as well.
28:34He's gone too fast at it.
28:35Burned himself out.
28:37Oh, Stoltman!
28:39Well, as Eddie Hall says, if you grew up in Scotland,
28:42you spent your time throwing things.
28:44For 10.
28:46Could he do 10 out of 10 like his brother?
28:49No, that's such a shame.
28:52But I'll tell you what, 9 will do.
28:58Wow, I'm really impressed with Luke Stoltman.
29:01Kordiakia was the man who was meant to be doing the running here.
29:05Just got it all wrong.
29:11So 4 in 12.81 for Kordiakia.
29:15It's a shame for him.
29:16They're just excelling at this.
29:20Luke Stoltman finishes first with 9.
29:23Let's hear it for Luke Stoltman!
29:27Will he rip it?
29:28Will he chuck it?
29:29We just don't know.
29:30Someone's going to get concussed.
29:33They're happy about it.
29:35A little souvenir for somebody.
29:37Kordiakia must be seething inside.
29:41He really ruined his chance there.
29:44Stoltman capitalised and he's taken the win.
29:47And a vital one too.
29:49Luke's first victory of this qualifying group means that with Hanson Pav finding the sandbags
29:53at hand full, he's back on track now to make the final.
29:56Luke is with Michelle.
29:59Well Luke, the shirt's come off.
30:01Clearly you've got to be happy with that performance.
30:03Yeah, really happy.
30:04These kind of throwback events are really, really scary.
30:08So it's like a lot to lose, a lot to gain.
30:11So getting nine bags, yeah, it's decent.
30:13It's not bad.
30:14Well it was amazing to watch.
30:15I mean, just how exhausted are you when you get to that final sandbag?
30:18Because weren't you complaining of a bad bag?
30:20Yeah, it's been really bad after deadlifts yesterday.
30:22I was in a bit of pain.
30:24But the team here, the physio team and the medics at World's Strongest Man are second
30:29to none and they're kind of keeping me together.
30:32So fortunately, the throwback event wasn't too bad in the back.
30:37We've got stones left.
30:39Yeah, I'm pretty pumped up now.
30:40Yeah, it's good.
30:41Now this has made a big difference to the scores.
30:43You're just half a point behind Pavlo.
30:45You're feeling the confidence now going into the stones.
30:48Yeah, of course.
30:48Yeah.
30:49Again, I'm here to have fun.
30:50I'm having fun.
30:51But yeah, I'm here to make the final again and showcase that I'm one of the best in the world.
30:58Can't wait to see it, Luke.
30:59Well done.
31:00Cheers.
31:02So, after the throwbacks, Luke's into second spot just half a point behind Pavlo Cordiaca.
31:08Andrew Flynn not far behind too, still challenging for a qualifying spot in his debut.
31:13There's one event to go and for the final four of this group, it's the moment of truth.
31:18The last two places in this year's final decided when we return on the SPD World's Strongest Man.
31:35Welcome back to Sacramento and the final act of this year's qualifying group stage.
31:40Rookie Andrew Flynn, reigning Britain's Strongest Man Luke Stoltman, Nick Guardiola of the USA and Ukraine's Pavlo Cordiaca are all chasing the last two spots in this year's grand final.
31:53The natural stone medley is where they'll battle.
31:56To see how our final four will finish up, over to Colin and Danny.
32:00Representing the United States of America.
32:02Thanks, James.
32:03Yes, it all comes down to this event, really, doesn't it?
32:07This will determine who goes through to the final.
32:12Three points separated.
32:13Gritty.
32:14Four men.
32:16Gaglioni goes up first.
32:17This 125 kilogram rectangle of a stone.
32:23He's pressed overhead.
32:25It's all about the balance.
32:26No problems.
32:27The San Antonio man.
32:29Let me move on to stone to shoulder.
32:32In excess of 150 kilos.
32:37Up to your shoulder.
32:39Take one hand off.
32:40And that's the job done.
32:42He's worked out how to do it.
32:45He's resting on his knees.
32:47Rolling it up.
32:49One arm out now, elegantly.
32:51Like a ballerina.
32:53There it is.
32:55And we move on.
33:00That abuses you, that little touch, doesn't it?
33:02It does, I like it.
33:05It shows grace.
33:07Yes, it does.
33:08Which we don't see enough of, in my opinion.
33:13Guardiola, looking good.
33:16Once you pass that first hurdle,
33:18things get a little bit easier in the middle section.
33:20But we still, after this 180 kilo carry,
33:24he waits at a 200 kilo stone to finish off here.
33:28Well, look at this.
33:30From Gaglioni.
33:31First time here.
33:33And making a very strong case
33:35for why he should be in the final.
33:37Ten seconds to go.
33:39Will he attempt this?
33:41I don't think he's got time now.
33:43Hasn't got time.
33:43It's far too heavy.
33:46It's far too heavy for me.
33:49Well, it's good from Gaglioni.
33:52We've seen more established figures
33:55fail on the first or even the second.
34:00Gaglioni's good across the board.
34:02There's no doubt about it.
34:03That's how he won the official strongman games.
34:05But...
34:05Ah, he'd have gone a little bit quicker there.
34:09He'd have got that fourth one up.
34:11That made a difference.
34:11You never know.
34:12That's what Flynn does now.
34:14We know from the overhead press that Flynn isn't the best of pressers in this group.
34:22That's for sure.
34:23But...
34:24It's just got a natural strength about him.
34:27That might suit this type of press.
34:30That's for sure.
34:31Yeah.
34:33Flynn just kind of attacks these events, doesn't he?
34:35And look at this.
34:38This.
34:41Then again, he doesn't have the bulk, perhaps.
34:44Every time, Andrew, a big breath while you lift it.
34:45The bigger the base, the easier it is with such an awkward object.
34:49Well, he wasn't resting on his chest, was he?
34:51That a lot of people have been doing.
34:54He's not as big as some other men.
34:56And...
34:56Oh, no!
34:58He didn't lock out, did he?
34:59No, his right arm wasn't locked out at all.
35:01His left one, he could have been forgiven for that one.
35:04But Magnus for Magnus has said,
35:06Do it again.
35:07And quite rightly so.
35:11He's resting on his chest now.
35:13Because he's knackered.
35:15I don't see him doing this now.
35:22It's a bit like a computer game.
35:24Energy is getting low.
35:26And time is running out.
35:27I don't see this being a good combination.
35:29But you never know.
35:30Come on, Andy Flynn.
35:32Can he manage one?
35:33It's not looking promising.
35:37And yet!
35:38Wow!
35:39Get out of here.
35:40That's determination from Flying Flynn.
35:44I'm so impressed.
35:45And he proved people wrong by getting here.
35:49And he's proving them wrong again.
35:50He's proved me well wrong.
35:52Oh, look.
35:53Time's against him.
35:55Two seconds to go.
35:56Can he pull it off?
35:57Hand away!
35:57Not quite!
36:00Nearly does himself an injury.
36:02But I'll tell you what.
36:03That shows what grit Flynn has.
36:09I'm so impressed.
36:11So impressed.
36:12I was convinced he would probably give up.
36:15At best not get this rep.
36:17With the overhead stone.
36:19And then I thought he just took no chance.
36:20I didn't even think he would go for that.
36:22But he wasn't giving it.
36:24And rightly so.
36:25But he was incredibly close.
36:26Well, Luke, in contemplative mood.
36:31That back still giving him a few issues.
36:34But also, he knows he needs to lift this first one at least to take some pressure off.
36:40On the whistle.
36:40As he goes into the grand final.
36:43He lifts this stone.
36:45As he'll try and do more than that.
36:46Because the grand final now, the first event.
36:49The equivalent points off is how you do in the heat.
36:52Matched up against the other qualifiers.
36:54And he is now a qualifier.
36:56Luke Stoltman.
36:57For the sixth year.
37:00He's made it through to the grand final.
37:02He's only ever finished first in his heat.
37:05Once, Danny.
37:07He's receiving beat Cordiaca.
37:09And this will get this up.
37:11Getting a good performance here in these stones.
37:14And they will take the victory.
37:17Up it goes.
37:19Arm off.
37:22He's remaining very composed.
37:24Not giving much away here.
37:27Focused on the task as we get to the carry.
37:34Normally, when he's very happy, the tongue comes out and full out.
37:38He did do a swipe at the tongue.
37:39A swipe, but that's not...
37:40That's not the full Stoltman.
37:44Round he goes.
37:45This is pretty fast.
37:47Giving himself time for that final tombstone.
37:52Not that much time, though.
37:53Just over 15 seconds.
37:55High on 200 kilograms.
37:59Nearly 440 pounds worth of dense stone here.
38:02The tombstone, as it's known.
38:03And it's looking like it may have beaten him.
38:10He knows it.
38:11Well, that will do.
38:14Enough to get him through to the final.
38:16More than enough.
38:17In fact, ladies and gentlemen, it's still Kordiaka to come.
38:22Once he got that first stone up, the stone of destiny, if you like, he was in the final.
38:28Big Luke Stoltman!
38:29Well, 3 in 1.09.
38:32He came in this year just wanting to have fun.
38:35Wasn't that bothered about the final.
38:37But he's there anyway.
38:38He'll be reunited with his brother.
38:41And he continues to prove Eddie Hall's theory.
38:44That Highlanders greatly enjoy.
38:47Throwing almost anything.
38:52Representing Ukraine.
38:53So it's Kordiaka.
38:54Carlo Kordiaka!
38:57Relaxed to go.
39:00Yes.
39:01He too just has to put up one stone.
39:05And he will be in the grand final.
39:07But no doubt, we'll try and do as much as possible.
39:09Assuming he can get past this hurdle.
39:11Because it is really tricky.
39:12It's not like jerking away on a bar.
39:17And we know he's very good at that.
39:19On the overhead press.
39:20Medley.
39:21And he just...
39:23Suspected.
39:25It's a little alien this for him.
39:28Leaning right back like that.
39:30Can't use your legs.
39:33Actually, for such a great presser.
39:35Really, he's not pressing.
39:36His arm power really comes all from his leg power.
39:40Well, this is...
39:42Oh, he gets the legs in that time.
39:43That was it.
39:45Nice drive there.
39:46Well, he knows he's through.
39:52And now it's for points.
39:53Only half a point ahead of Luke Stoltman coming into this final event.
40:04And we know Stoltman made it onto stone number four.
40:08Didn't finish stone four.
40:10But definitely did this one and the next one.
40:12Time is ticking here for Kordiaka.
40:15Well, he just threw that one up.
40:1915 seconds, Danny.
40:21That's all he's got.
40:22Is that going to be enough?
40:2315 seconds.
40:24I doubt it.
40:26So does he.
40:27Well, he's done enough.
40:28And we'll see Pablo Kordiaka in the final with our other nine finalists.
40:37This is his third consecutive year of making the grand final.
40:41He's finished sixth and he's finished eighth before.
40:44Can he do better this year?
40:46Certainly looks strong.
40:46So, Stoltman Senior, the fastest through three stones.
40:54And that event win sees him top the group for just the second time in his career.
40:58He's back in the final and with Michelle.
41:02Luke, congratulations on your group win.
41:04I mean, ten World's Strongest Man appearances.
41:07And you've just reached your sixth World's Strongest Man final.
41:11That in itself is just so impressive.
41:13Yeah, I mean, again, it's very strange to hear those stats.
41:17It still feels like my first time whenever I come here.
41:20You have that kind of seeded out and planted in me all the time.
41:23Like, oh, this is going to be really tough.
41:25I'll be finished last in the group.
41:26I thought I was just coming out here for a party.
41:28A big Tommy party.
41:29But, yeah, here I am making my sixth final.
41:33And, yeah, it's class.
41:35I'm so happy.
41:35Seen pretty in the final now.
41:37What does it mean for you to be standing alongside your brother, Tom, for another year?
41:41I mean, it's everything.
41:42And this is what we do.
41:43This is what we've been doing for 13 years now.
41:46We're saying we're the World's Strongest Brothers.
41:47And, you know, you can doubt me.
41:49You can hate me.
41:50You can doubt me and Tom.
41:51But one thing that is always going to be true is that we're the strongest brothers in the world.
41:55Because year in, year out, we keep proving it here.
41:56This is the biggest title to win.
41:58Tom's coming in here to prove that he is the strongest man in the world.
42:01And it means everything to both of us to be competing together.
42:05Doing it in mum's name and mum's honour, which is really cool.
42:09So, I know, again, she'd be looking down.
42:11She's looking down up in heaven or wherever it is she is, smiling with a big cheesy smile.
42:17And Dad will be watching this with an even bigger cheesy smile back at home.
42:21So, Big Benny boy, we love you.
42:23Big Bad Ben, hope we make you proud.
42:25And we're all smiling here for you, too.
42:27Thank you very much.
42:28Well done, Luke.
42:28Another proud year for all the Stoltman clan.
42:32Luke topping the group ahead of Pablo Cordiaga and joining brother Tom in another World's Strongest Man final.
42:39And there'll be four Brits in all there, with Shane Flowers and Paddy Haynes also qualifying.
42:44This year, remember, for the first time, all ten finalists will be ranked based on their performances in the heats.
42:49So, starting in first place will be Mitchell, the Moose Hooper.
42:54Well, those are quite possibly the most intense heats we've ever had on World's Strongest Man.
42:58And things are going to ramp up even further, of course, as the final gets underway.
43:01We've got some fantastic events in there, some brand new ones and some old classics, too.
43:05Make sure you're part of it as well when we return on the SPD World's Strongest Man.
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