world’s strongest man
super series(3/3)

Concluding this evening is Five’s exclusive coverage of the World’s Strongest Man Super Series – the international tour of strength athletics that acts as a qualifier for the World’s Strongest Man competition. Tonight’s show features highlights of the Grand Prix in Norway. British competitors Mark Felix and Terry Hollands line up alongside other international strongmen to test themselves to the limit of their endurance.

The WSM Super Series consists of a sequence of Grands Prix all over the world. Between ten and 12 athletes take part in each event, with the top six in the international rankings competing alongside at least four qualifiers or wildcard entries. The highest scoring competitor at the end of the series is crowned world champion, and the top four athletes from each contest automatically qualify for the World’s Strongest Man.

Athletes to look out for in this year’s competition include three-times WSM champion and reigning Super Series champion (Super-)Mariusz Pudzianowski from Poland, and the USA’s Phil Pfister. Events featured in this year’s series include the power stairs, farmer’s walk, super-yoke carry and the famous atlas stones.

Tonight’s grand prix comes from the town of Gol in central Norway, on the slopes of Golsfjellet mountain. The Viking Power event is hosted by former World’s Strongest Man Svend Karlsen. British hopes in this heat rest with Grenada-born Mark Felix, and English giant Terry Hollands, who won the title of Britain’s Strongest Man in 2005 and 2007.

Also featuring in tonight’s grand prix is former World’s Strongest Man Magnus Samuelsson. The gigantic Swede, who is married to a Swedish strongwoman, is a full-time farmer between events and a true veteran of the sport, having competed at the highest level since the mid1990s. Other competitors include Finland’s Janne Virtanen –World’s Strongest Man in 2000 – and Norway’s own Espen Aune.

Former England rugby star Martin Bayfield provides the voiceover for Five’s coverage, while Nick Halling commentates and head referee Colin Bryce lends his expert advice.