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00:00Oh
00:30Andy Williams!
00:34Mitchell Heeper!
00:38Paddy Hayes!
00:42Shane Flower!
00:45Let's hear it from Radio Now!
00:50Luke Richardson!
00:56Andre Foytu!
01:00Andre Foytu!
01:03Andre Foytu!
01:04Andre Foytu!
01:18Eight men already through to the final of our SPD World's Strongest Man.
01:22Today it's time for our last qualifying group,
01:25Heep 5, featuring one of the most talked about strongmen of all.
01:29Luke Stoltman.
01:30In some ways, Luke's like this Sacramento River.
01:33Broad, colourful, strong and just keeps rolling along.
01:38For ten years Luke's been coming to this competition and for the last four he's made the final.
01:43At the age of 40, how's his current form?
01:45Let's ask the old man himself.
01:47I'm still here at 40, you know, winning shows, still doing well.
01:56Probably feeling better than I did when I was 30 years old, so.
01:59I'm in good shape physically, if you look at me, I look in good shape.
02:07Coming in a lot lighter, feeling good.
02:09Number one, I want to come and enjoy myself this year and I want to be there for Tom.
02:17That's my goal.
02:18To do anything, to give anything I need to Tom.
02:21When we set out on this journey, it was to cement that kind of legacy of the strongest brothers to ever live.
02:30And we've achieved that.
02:31We've done that.
02:32I'm happy.
02:33I'm finding a little bit of joy in life now, quite a lot of joy, which is really nice.
02:46Luke Stoltman.
02:47We've seen so many young strong men qualifying for the final this year.
02:50Luke, almost the last of his generation.
02:52How's he going to fare?
02:53Yeah, he kind of is.
02:54He's just turned 40 years of age, but them Scottish are built to last.
02:58I think he's lost weight because of his age, you know, protects his joints, his heart, his lungs.
03:02And it kind of suits the Giants live shows.
03:04He's just won Britain's Strongest Man, very suited to that, very cardiovascular heavy.
03:08But Will's Strongest Man, a lot heavier, a lot more draught out.
03:12It's a lot heavier competition.
03:13I think he's going to struggle a little bit more out here.
03:15He's in a tough group as well.
03:17Let's find out who's in Heat 5.
03:19It is Danny Wallace and Colin Bryce with The Breakdown.
03:22Well, thanks, James.
03:23Thanks, Eddie.
03:24Yes, the final group.
03:25Who will make it through to the final?
03:27Well, will it be the Brit?
03:29Andy Flynn trains in his shed.
03:31In Peacehaven.
03:32Or from San Antonio, Texas, the official Strongman Games champion, Nick Guardione.
03:38Familiar face.
03:39A welcome face.
03:40Handsome.
03:41Pav, it's Kordiaka.
03:42Third at World's Strongest Man last year, the mighty Evan Singleton.
03:46And he lives for his Nutella calzones on cheat days.
03:50It's Stoltman.
03:51And we begin with the loading medley.
03:55Yes, four sacks, 130 kilos each.
03:58They get further and further away from the Cybertruck that they have to load it into.
04:02Representing Great Britain, Andrew Flynn.
04:04So, first up, it's Flying Flynn.
04:05That's what they call him.
04:06The railway industry.
04:07Representing the United States.
04:08He'll be going head to head.
04:09It's the T-Rex.
04:10Against T-Rex, Evan Singleton.
04:11Big year for Singleton.
04:12Made it onto the podium for the first time last year in Myrtle Beach.
04:30Andy Flynn, debutante, no doubt feeling pretty nervous up against Evan Singleton.
04:35In his first ever event.
04:38But he's very fit, very fast.
04:40We saw that at Britain's Strongest Man.
04:42And he's neck and neck with Big Evan at the moment.
04:44Yes, Flynn came third at Britain's Strongest Man.
04:47He's got a tenacity.
04:51He's matching Singleton here.
04:54Maybe even slightly ahead.
04:57Oh, no!
04:58Well, we've seen this happen before.
05:01Yeah, Luke Richardson tore his bicep in this event.
05:04One of the earlier heats.
05:06Andy Flynn onto the fourth.
05:07He's walked off Singleton, so it must be pretty bad.
05:10To the final and most awkward of the sacks.
05:14This shield.
05:19Well, he's 43-44.
05:20This is a solid time.
05:21Anything in the 40s, especially the mid 40s, is going to be a good time.
05:25We've seen the very best.
05:27The likes of Hooper and Stoltman from other heats doing 38.
05:31The only ones under 40, I believe.
05:35Well, four in 45 and a half seconds for Andrew Flynn.
05:38That's a great start.
05:40Yeah, certainly a good benchmark for all the others.
05:43As for Evan Singleton, the big favourite from this group.
05:46Something tells me he might be out.
05:48He wouldn't have stopped otherwise.
05:50Well, it's not looking good for Singleton.
05:55Or the Americans.
05:56Perhaps he was the greatest hope for this competition.
05:59Oh, I would say so, yeah.
06:00And with only Trey Mitchell through so far from the other four heats.
06:03This is the last heat.
06:05Well, everything rests on Nick Gardione now.
06:08In the United States of America, Nick Gardione!
06:10Well, let's see what he's got.
06:15Friends of the heavy metal gym.
06:17He's got the hand movements to match.
06:19In lane two, representing Great Britain,
06:22the reigning Britain's strongest man, Luke Stoltman!
06:26And the Highland Oak from Invergordon.
06:29An old hand at this, Luke Stoltman.
06:35Ready!
06:36He's lost a bit of weight.
06:37On the whistle!
06:38He's shooting pretty quick, Luke.
06:39He's normally quite good at these kind of events.
06:41And if he's ten kilos down,
06:43then his speed may well have gone up,
06:45despite hitting 40.
06:47Nick Gardione, though, this guy is immense.
06:49We saw him at the official Strongman Games.
06:51You know, there was hundreds of people took part,
06:53and he was the winner.
06:55Across a battery of tests.
06:57So he is really good.
07:00And Cardione, quick on his feet.
07:02But like you say,
07:03now witnessing a faster Stoltman.
07:07The final sack.
07:09It's a lift and a turn.
07:13Stoltman's almost there.
07:14In fact, he's going for it!
07:16Can he just pip him at the end?
07:19Well, they look pretty neck and neck to me.
07:21I thought his hands were off first, actually.
07:23Really?
07:24He got it, yes!
07:25I think he did it!
07:26Well, that's experience, isn't it?
07:28From Stoltman.
07:31Cracking event from Gardione as well.
07:34I think Gardione just felt like he's in the lead.
07:36Everything's going to be fine.
07:39And then Stoltman,
07:41diving through at the end.
07:42Does Gardione just look over at the end?
07:44Yeah.
07:45I don't think he even knew it was happening.
07:46There you go.
07:49With four sandbags.
07:51So four in 41.34.
07:53Give it up for Nick Gardione!
07:55Having learned a lesson in our fast hands.
07:58Nick Gardione.
07:59The new leader.
08:00The Stoltman.
08:01Changed gear, didn't he?
08:02He's done it.
08:03Four in 41.21.
08:04We still have one man to come, but by a tenth of a second, he managed to pit Gardione there.
08:16And he must have been a good four or five metres down at the start on that last little sprint.
08:20Well done.
08:22A great start for one man, but an early end sadly for another.
08:25Evan Singleton once again out, the world's strongest man.
08:30Damn it!
08:33When we return, the battle continues for group five, with Luke in the lead, and this man ready to roll.
08:51Welcome back to Sacramento, where Event One has already served a reminder of the grueling nature of this sport.
08:59Last man to go in the loading medley is Ukraine's very own Pavlo Kordyaka.
09:03Over to Colin and Danny.
09:06In lane one, representing Ukraine.
09:08So, all on his own.
09:10Pavlo Kordyaka!
09:12Pavlo Kordyaka from Ukraine.
09:15Remarkable athlete.
09:17Fast.
09:18Ready?
09:19Wonderful.
09:20On the whistle.
09:21Made for this.
09:23Yes, and he has a way of just making it into the final as well.
09:27He's not the bulkiest man, that's for sure.
09:30It's more like he's carved out of granite.
09:32He's got some incredible abs, does Pav.
09:36These are fast lifts.
09:39Very fast deliveries.
09:43He's pretty much on course with what Hooper and Stoltman did.
09:46They were around about 24 seconds for the third one.
09:50I think he could be another man under 40 seconds.
09:53Whether he can match what Hooper and Stoltman did.
09:5638 and change.
09:57We'll see.
09:58Goodness me, that's fast from Kordyaka.
10:00Good times.
10:01Threw it from a meter out.
10:04Good time, man.
10:06He's happy with that.
10:07Good times, says Magnus Ver.
10:10Gosh, look at this.
10:11Look how early he gets his hands off this.
10:14He really does throw it.
10:17Very impressive.
10:18Well, that's all four for Kordyaka.
10:2238.61.
10:24Which is actually the second fastest time of all 25 men.
10:29That gives him the win.
10:31Well, there certainly was loads going on in our opening event of this group.
10:37T-Rex's sad withdrawal.
10:39Stoltman stealing second.
10:41And that blistering turn from Pablo to take top spot.
10:45And get top less.
10:47Oh, nature.
10:48He's with Michel.
10:49Pav, you absolutely smashed it out there.
10:50I mean, you're looking fighting fit.
10:52Yeah, I'm fit.
10:53I'm fast.
10:54I'm athletic.
10:56And I just started slow to make sure I'm good.
10:59And didn't take this.
11:01And after just accelerating with every box.
11:04I hear, though, you have had a bit of a problem with your knee.
11:07Not that we saw any signs of it just now.
11:10Yeah, my knee is really bad.
11:11But I'm just trying to turn back on my right knee.
11:16So.
11:17Is it something that you're concerned about at all
11:19with the rest of the events and the competition?
11:24Overhead medley.
11:26And maybe Flintstone press.
11:29This is one good effect for my knee, so.
11:32Step by step.
11:33Great start. Well done, Pav.
11:34Thank you. Thank you very much.
11:37So, handsome Pav in pole position after one event.
11:40And the group already down to ten men, of course,
11:42after Evan Singleton's injury.
11:45Next up, it's the deadlift for reps.
11:48350 kilos on the bar.
11:5060 seconds to lock out as many lifts as possible.
11:53Ten is the maximum anyone's done this week.
11:55Can Group Fight beat that?
11:56Over to Colin and Danny.
11:57Representing the United States of America.
11:58The President of the United States of America.
11:59Representing the United States of America.
12:00Representing the United States of America.
12:02First up, Nick Guardione from Texas.
12:03Goal!
12:06First time here.
12:08Got a strong look.
12:10Representing the United States of America.
12:12And up against.
12:13Well, another debutant.
12:14This one from Britain, Andrew Flynn.
12:16It's well interesting to see what both these men can do.
12:21I don't think Andrew Flynn's static strength is quite what Guardi-Owns is, but a chance
12:27to step up and prove you can do it, that's for sure.
12:30What a moment for him.
12:31And with Singleton out, and of course Stoltman and Kordiakar to come, neither of whom are
12:37that great at deadlift.
12:38This is a great opportunity for these two guys.
12:40And it's Guardi-Own, he's setting the pace right now.
12:45He's got his rhythm.
12:46Struggling on the lockout though.
12:47Watch this.
12:48Oh yes.
12:49Battles through it.
12:50Yeah, this is difficult.
12:52Once it's down, very difficult to lift it back up again, but Flynn carries on.
13:01Everyone's different biomechanics, everyone has different hard bits to the lift.
13:06Flynn didn't struggle with the lockouts, but there he did, but six reps is big for Flynn.
13:11And Guardi-Own, who has 15 seconds left, finds himself two behind here.
13:18It's a bit of a shock.
13:20Well, that's that from both men.
13:22It's quite a fast puller off the floor, and it's just not suited with these really thick
13:30bars.
13:31You get no bend, no wick.
13:33He struggled with that, four reps for him.
13:37And the current leader, Guardi-Own, but leading, and happy about it, Andrew Flynn.
13:45Six reps.
13:46He has way more than Andy Flynn thought he was going to get.
13:53Massive performance from him, and hey, we might actually win the heat now, Singleton's
13:57out.
13:58He's not got one of them in his shed.
13:59He might too.
14:00Representing Ukraine, Pavlo Kordi-Aka.
14:04On two.
14:05Handsome Pav.
14:06Kordi-Aka.
14:07Representing Great Britain.
14:08Up against Luke Stoltman.
14:09One half will be Stoltman.
14:10Yes, can he join his big baby brother in the grand final?
14:25Now Singleton's out, you would expect him to, he's probably pretty similar to Kordi-Aka in
14:31terms of who's the favorite now to make it through.
14:35This is fast from Kordi-Aka.
14:37Six to beat.
14:38And he's halfway there already.
14:40Yes, he's worked hard at his deadlift, and he's looking quite solid actually, Kordi-Aka.
14:48Stoltman.
14:49A little disappointing on two.
14:52Encouragement from the crowd.
14:57Can he lock this out for five?
14:59He makes me, this is tough.
15:02We are talking nearly 800 pounds.
15:04It's a heck of a weight to do repetitions at.
15:08Well, that's that.
15:10He's experienced enough to know that that will do.
15:13With two reps given up for Luke Stoltman.
15:17Two for Luke Stoltman.
15:18A little disappointing.
15:19A little surprising.
15:20I'm sure what happened to Luke there, but certainly Pavlo's pretty pleased with his fault,
15:26so he should be.
15:27As reps, well, they might not pass in a powerlifting meet.
15:33You cannot rest it on your quads like that.
15:36It certainly is a loud and strong man.
15:39Anything goes, just get it up.
15:41Go, go and get Dr. Park working on it.
15:46Some back pain.
15:48Yeah, dude.
15:49Stop it, man.
15:50What I'll show you is just covers and forwards there.
15:51Happers is all at 40, mate.
15:53You're going to start making a satisfied noise after you sip your tea next.
15:57I'm sure Luke could do with a cuppa after that disappointing performance.
16:01Just two reps there, bottom of the group.
16:04Up top, though, how about Andrew Flynn with his maiden event win at World's Strongest Man?
16:09He's with Michelle.
16:13Andrew, you're looking as proud as punch, and rightly so.
16:15How are you feeling?
16:16Yeah, that's the result I would hope would happen.
16:19It kind of happened, yeah.
16:20That was good.
16:21I enjoyed that.
16:22How does it feel to be against, I mean, some of the OGs within World's Strongest Man?
16:26Surreal.
16:27Very surreal.
16:28I didn't even expect to be here, so to actually be on the same stage as them in the same place
16:31doing it, yeah, it's very surreal to me.
16:33Do you think it'll sink in?
16:34No, it never will.
16:35Maybe give it a couple of years or after this, a couple of days, it might sink in, but
16:38no, not now.
16:39Talk to me about the training leading up to the competition.
16:41How's it been for you?
16:42Grim.
16:43Grueling.
16:44Yeah, it's been really hard, actually.
16:45I haven't been, like, posting much on social media, because everything's been really
16:48tough to do.
16:49But then coming here, you kind of pink for the comp, and now's the time to kind of shine
16:53and show what you've got.
16:54It seems like you're taking it all in your stride and, dare I say, enjoying the experience.
16:59I'm loving this.
17:00I'd do this any day of the week.
17:02I thoroughly enjoy this.
17:03That's good to hear.
17:04Thank you very much.
17:05Well done.
17:06Cheers.
17:07Andrew Flynn moving into second place now in the group.
17:10Kodiakas stays top, one and a half points clear.
17:13Stoltman slips to fourth of four.
17:15It's Luke's favourite event up next, though, the overhead medley.
17:19How will the mighty Flynn and the Highland Oak Fair?
17:22We'll find out when we return.
17:24Welcome back to Sacramento, here in California's state capital.
17:36It's the final day of qualifying, and all four remaining men in group five have a shot
17:41at a spot in this year's grand final.
17:43Event three is the overhead medley.
17:46Four implements to be pressed overhead for a combined seven reps, all inside 75 seconds.
17:51Back to Colin and Danny.
17:53Thanks, James.
17:55Yes, if you enjoy dumbbells and logs, we'll be at the event for you.
18:00That's Guardione.
18:02We've got Stoltman.
18:04We've got dumbbells, we've got logs, we've got circus barbells, axles.
18:09Get ya axles.
18:11Here we go.
18:12A full smorgasbord of pressing implements.
18:15Two with this.
18:17Two reps, and then on to the next one, the log.
18:20Two reps at that.
18:22Two reps with the circus barbell.
18:25Finally, one with the axles.
18:28Look at that.
18:29Straight up for Stoltman.
18:33315 pounds.
18:35Just over 145 kilograms, each one of these.
18:42Very strong.
18:45Circus barbell.
18:47Stoltman is a presser, though.
18:49I mean, this is absolutely his bread and butter.
18:51What he lacks of the deadlift he makes up for in this.
18:57No, he didn't get that press there.
19:00Stoltman for number two there.
19:01Yes, and he's on to the axle.
19:04Such form, isn't it?
19:05Such technique from Stoltman.
19:07This is...
19:08I was going to say it's tricky.
19:09Of course it's tricky.
19:10Look at it.
19:11That bar.
19:12Very little give in it.
19:13Very thick.
19:14Ooh, I think he's run out of puff.
19:15They are getting heavier and heavier when you're getting more tired all the time.
19:28Time.
19:29Well, that's it.
19:30Out of time.
19:34Would have been a great run from Stoltman.
19:36This was the moment Gaglioni managed the Circus barbell.
19:40With five optics in a time of 107.85.
19:43Give it up for Nick Gaglioni.
19:44Managed five in 107.85.
19:50Some wasted effort from him missing one of the reps.
19:55And just shy of the axle.
19:56Six in 49.98 for Stoltman.
20:01Just looks so comfortable all the way to his last Circus barbell,
20:04but didn't even really give it a good go.
20:07He just ran out of puff.
20:08Tired.
20:09Said no more.
20:10Andrew Flynn.
20:13So Andrew Flynn up next.
20:16He's been attacking this competition.
20:20Representing Ukraine.
20:22Kordiaka.
20:23Pablo Kordiaka.
20:24Alone no longer.
20:3190 kilo dumbbell.
20:33Down.
20:35Down.
20:36Down.
20:37Down.
20:38Around about 13 and a half, 14 stone.
20:41Just chucking up overhead.
20:43One arm.
20:45Kordiaka has a background in weightlifting.
20:48Down.
20:50Anything overhead is really his bread and butter as well.
20:54And that is really quick, really snappy.
20:55Really quick, really snappy.
20:57This is good work from Flynn as well.
21:02Continuing to surprise and impress.
21:05Kordiaka.
21:06Wow.
21:08Look at the technique.
21:13Kordiaka really could have posed for all the textbooks, couldn't he?
21:17Yes.
21:17Yes, indeed.
21:19Kordiaka taking a knock there.
21:21He's got one more to do.
21:22Kordiaka 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?
21:35He's got ten seconds.
21:39Flynn is beaten.
21:41Kordiaka too, it seems.
21:48Well, well, well.
21:49Andy Flynn managed to get one rep up in the Circus Barbell.
21:55Didn't run out of time for the second, just ran out of steam, I think.
21:59With five objects in a time of 46.99.
22:03So, 46.99, all five.
22:05Andrew Flynn.
22:06For Andrew Flynn.
22:09He takes third in this event.
22:11With six objects in a time of 46.35.
22:16The win out of the Kordiaka.
22:16Six in 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.
22:34So, with the overhead medley done.
22:36Well, it's Luke Stoltman, Pablo Kordiaka, the vets who come out top.
22:41He only wants to manage six objects.
22:43Three events in then, here's how Heat 5 stands.
22:48Evan Singleton's untimely exit, his T-Rex hit, has really opened up the group for the others.
22:54Pablo Kordiaka racing into a three-and-a-half-point lead with 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.
23:06Winning the deadlift with six reps.
23:08Proving that he's earned his place here at Wheel 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 Toss, which is the Sandbag Toss, and the Stone Medley.
23:23And Luke, being Scottish, very acquainted with the Highland Games.
23:27I mean, all he's done 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, though, let's just catch up on how poor Evan Singleton is feeling.
23:37He's with Michelle.
23:38Evan, we know how confident you are coming into the competition this year.
23:43We saw you last year finishing third on that podium, and 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.
23:54Yeah, so, as soon as the whistle blew, I ran to the first implement, the first sandbag.
23:59The second it left the ground, I guess my arm was a little bit too extended, and the proximal bicep decided it just wanted to not work anymore.
24:07How are you feeling now?
24:09Physically, it's a little tender, but I'm still able to straighten it, pronate, and all of that 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, uh, I would, I would, I'll go on record saying that this is probably the most disappointing,
24:31because I was 100% convinced that not only can I hang with Tom and Mitch, but I can beat them.
24:36But we 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 in the back of your mind,
24:47that you are going to be back here, and you are going to dominate?
24:50Oh, absolutely, yeah.
24:51Like, as disappointed, saddened, and depressed as I am right now, it's not going to, I can promise you this,
24:58it's not going to waver both my belief that I can win this competition,
25:01and my determination to 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,
25:18and event four, the Titans tossed.
25:20Over to Colin and Danny.
25:25Thanks, James.
25:27Yes.
25:28My favorite event, I think.
25:30The Titans Toss.
25:32From a Texan.
25:34Guardione is going to be going head-to-head.
25:37Presenting Great Britain.
25:39With another newbie.
25:40Drew Flynn!
25:41From Peacehaven, Andrew Flying Flynn.
25:44Ooh!
25:47Those two people up and turn up again.
25:49Ready?
25:50Well, 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.
26:06He's got the first four over.
26:09And it's an interesting event, this.
26:10You have to constantly recalibrate what you're doing.
26:13Yes.
26:14As you get further from the bar.
26:16Different angle every time.
26:17And Guardione almost got that one wrong.
26:19He went way too high with it.
26:22Well, Flynn.
26:22Well, some alternative 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.
26:40I think he's just resetting.
26:42And up it goes.
26:46But ultimately, wasn't to be.
26:49I mean, it's a new event for these guys.
26:50From Nick Guardione and Andrew Flynn.
26:53I don't think that was two efforts for the last sack, by the way.
26:58Flying Flynn.
26:59Falling Flynn.
27:01Get up, Flynn.
27:02With 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 he'll be too disappointed at all, actually.
27:19And eight in 28.38 for the Texan.
27:26He's got some passing worries tooting their horns now.
27:32Good technique, Guardione.
27:34He's just got some of the angles wrong.
27:37Pretty much had the power to do all ten.
27:40On to Luke Stoltman.
27:42Luke Stoltman.
27:43Age 40.
27:4540, of course, normally the age we put the strongmen down.
27:49But it's allowed Stoltman to live.
27:54Up against Kordiaka.
27:56That's all true, kids.
28:04We don't know.
28:05We don't know.
28:08Under way.
28:09Here we go.
28:10Kordiaka in his pink shoes.
28:13Ukrainian.
28:13Really explosive.
28:15If anyone could do all ten in this heat, it'll be him.
28:19This is huge from both men, Kordiaka.
28:24Just clanging the bar twice.
28:27Oh, yeah.
28:27The nerves are getting the better of him.
28:29He's getting the wrong trajectory.
28:30That was okay, I think, was it?
28:32Oh, no.
28:32He'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,
28:41if you grew up in Scotland,
28:42you spent your time throwing things.
28:44Oh, for ten.
28:46Could he do ten out of ten like his brother?
28:48That's such a shame.
28:52But I'll tell you what, nine will do.
28:58Wow, I'm really impressed with Luke Stoltman.
29:01Kordiaka was the man who was meant to be doing the running here.
29:05Just got it all wrong.
29:07With four sandbags at a time of 12.81.
29:10Let's hear it for Pablo Kordiaka.
29:1312.81 for Kordiaka.
29:15It's a shame for him.
29:16With nine sandbags.
29:18They're just excelling at this.
29:20Luke Stoltman finishes first with nine.
29:23Let's hear it for Luke Stoltman!
29:26Will he rip it?
29:28Will he chuck it?
29:29We just don't know.
29:31Someone's going to get concussed.
29:33They're happy about it.
29:35A souvenir for somebody.
29:38Kordiaka must be seething inside.
29:41He really ruined his chance there.
29:44Stoltman capitalised and he's taken the win.
29:46And a vital one too.
29:49Luke's first victory of this qualifying group means that with Handsome Pav finding the sandbags
29:53a handful, he's back on track now to make the final.
29:56Luke is with Michelle.
29:57Well, Luke, the shirt's come off.
30:01Clearly you've got to be happy with that performance.
30:03Yeah, really happy.
30:05These 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 back?
30:20Yeah, it's been really bad.
30:21After deadlifts yesterday, I was in a bit of pain.
30:24But the team here, the physio team and the medics at World's Strongest Man are second to none.
30:30And 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.
30:42You'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.
30:53But 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.
31:15And 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.
31:24Welcome back to Sacramento and the final act of this year's qualifying group stage.
31:36Rookie Andrew Flynn.
31:38Reigning Britain's Strongest Man Luke Stoltman.
31:40Nick Guardiona of the USA and Ukraine's Pavlo Cordiaca are all chasing the last two spots in this year's grand final.
31:47The natural stone medley is where they'll battle.
31:51To see how our final four will finish up, over to Colin and Danny.
31:55Representing the United States of America.
31:57Thanks, James.
31:58Yes, it all comes down to this event, really, doesn't it?
32:02This will determine who goes through to the final.
32:07Three points separated.
32:08Ready?
32:09Four men.
32:11Guardione goes up first.
32:12This 125 kilogram rectangle of a stone, he's pressed overhead.
32:20It's all about the balance, no problems.
32:22The San Antonio man may move on to stone to shoulder.
32:27In excess of 150 kilos.
32:32Up to your shoulder.
32:34Take one hand off and that's the job done.
32:37He's worked out how to do it.
32:40He's resting on his knees, rolling it up.
32:44One arm out now, elegantly, like a ballerina.
32:48There it is.
32:50We'll move on.
32:55That abuses you, that little touch, doesn't it?
32:57It does, I like it.
33:00It shows grace.
33:02Yes, it does, yes.
33:03Which we don't see enough of, in my opinion.
33:05Okay.
33:08Guardione looking good.
33:10Once you pass that first hurdle, things get a little bit easier in the middle section,
33:15but we still, after this 180 kilo carry,
33:19he waits at a 200 kilo stone to finish off here.
33:23Well, look at this from Guardione.
33:26First time here, and making a very strong case for why he should be in the final.
33:32Ten seconds to go.
33:34Will he attempt this?
33:36I don't think he's got time now.
33:38Hasn't got time.
33:39It's far too heavy.
33:41It's far too heavy for me.
33:42Well, it's good from Guardione.
33:47We've seen more established figures fail on the first or even second.
33:55Guardione is good across the board.
33:57There's no doubt about it.
33:58That's how he won the official strongman games.
34:00But he's gone a little bit quicker there.
34:04He's got that fourth one up.
34:06It made a difference.
34:07You never know.
34:07You see what Flynn does now.
34:09To Flynn.
34:10We know from the overhead press that Flynn isn't the best of pressers in this group,
34:17that's for sure.
34:19But he's just got a natural strength about him.
34:22That might suit this type of press, that's for sure.
34:27Yeah, Flynn just kind of attacks these events, doesn't he?
34:30And look at this.
34:33Look at this.
34:36Then again, he doesn't have the bulk, perhaps.
34:39Every time, Andrew, a big breath while you lift it.
34:41The bigger the base, the easier it is with such an awkward object.
34:44Well, he wasn't resting on his chest, was he?
34:46That a lot of people have been doing.
34:49He's not as big as some other men.
34:51And oh, no!
34:53He didn't lock out, did he?
34:54No, his right arm wasn't locked out at all.
34:56His left one, you could have been forgiven for that one.
34:59But Magnus for Magnus has said, do it again.
35:02And quite rightly so.
35:06He's resting on his chest now because he's knackered.
35:09I don't see him doing this now.
35:17It's a bit like a computer game.
35:19Energy is getting low.
35:21And time is running out.
35:22I don't see this being a good combination, but you never know.
35:25Come on, Andy Flynn.
35:27Can he manage one?
35:28It's not looking promising.
35:30Get out of here.
35:33Get out of here.
35:35That's determination from Flying Flynn.
35:39I'm so impressed.
35:41And he proved people wrong by getting here.
35:44And he's proving them wrong again.
35:45He's proved me well wrong.
35:47Well, look.
35:48Time's against him.
35:50Two seconds to go.
35:51Can he pull it off?
35:52Hand away.
35:52In the fight.
35:55Nearly does himself an injury.
35:57But I tell you what, that shows what grit Flynn has.
36:02With one stone at a time.
36:04I'm so impressed.
36:06So impressed.
36:07I was convinced he would probably give up.
36:10At best, not get this rep.
36:12With the overhead stone.
36:14And then, I thought he just took no chance.
36:16I didn't even think he would go for that.
36:17But he wasn't given it.
36:19And rightly so.
36:20But he was incredibly close.
36:23Well, Luke in contemplative mood.
36:26That back still giving him a few issues.
36:29But also, he knows he needs to lift this first one at least to take some pressure off.
36:35On the whistle.
36:35As he goes into the grand final.
36:38He lifts this stone.
36:39Of course, he'll try and do more than that.
36:41Because the grand final now, the first event.
36:45The equivalent points of is how you do in the heat.
36:47Matched up against the other qualifiers.
36:49And he is now a qualifier.
36:51Luke Stoltman, for the sixth year.
36:55Has made it through to the grand final.
36:57He's only ever finished first in his heat once, Danny.
37:02Since he can beat Cordiaca.
37:04And this will get this up.
37:06A good performance here in these stones.
37:09It will take the victory.
37:12Up it goes.
37:15Arm off.
37:17And he's remaining very composed.
37:19Not giving much away here.
37:22Focused on the task as we get to the carry.
37:29Normally, when he's very happy, the tongue comes out.
37:32And full out.
37:32He did do a swipe at the time.
37:34It was a swipe, but that's not.
37:36That's not the full Stoltman.
37:39Round he goes.
37:40This is pretty fast.
37:43Giving himself time for that final tombstone.
37:46Not that much time, though.
37:48Just over 15 seconds.
37:50High on 200 kilograms.
37:54Nearly 440 pounds worth of dense stone here.
37:57The tombstone, as it's known.
37:58And it's looking like it may have beaten him.
38:05He knows it.
38:06Well, that will do.
38:09Enough to get him through to the final.
38:11More than enough.
38:13In fact, it's still Cordiaca to come.
38:16Once he got that first stone up.
38:19The stone of destiny, if you like.
38:21He was in the final.
38:24Well, 3 in 1-0-9.
38:27He came in this year just wanting to have fun.
38:30Wasn't that bothered about the final.
38:32But he's there anyway.
38:33He'd be reunited with his brother.
38:36And he continues to prove Eddie Hall's theory
38:39that Highlanders greatly enjoy throwing almost anything.
38:46Representing Ukraine.
38:48So it's Cordiaca.
38:49Hello, Cordiaca.
38:52Well, nice to go.
38:55Yes.
38:56He, too, just has to put up one stone.
39:00And he will be in the grand final.
39:02But no doubt, we'll try and do as much as possible.
39:04Assuming he can get past this hurdle.
39:06Because it is really tricky.
39:09It's not like jerking away on a bar.
39:12And we know he's very good at that.
39:14On the overhead press.
39:15Medley.
39:16And he just, as I suspected.
39:21It's a little alien, this for him.
39:23Leaning right back like that.
39:25Can't use your legs.
39:26And actually, for such a great presser,
39:30really, he's not pressing.
39:31His arm power really comes all from his leg power.
39:36So this is, oh, he gets the legs in that time.
39:38That was it.
39:40Nice drive there.
39:41Well, he knows he's through.
39:45And now it's for points.
39:48Only half a point ahead of Luke Stoltman coming into this final event.
39:59And we know Stoltman made it onto stone number four.
40:03Didn't finish stone four, but definitely did this one and the next one.
40:07Time is ticking here for Kordiaka.
40:10Well, he just threw that one up.
40:1215 seconds, Danny.
40:16That's all he's got.
40:17Is that going to be enough?
40:1815 seconds.
40:19I doubt it.
40:19So does he.
40:22Well, he's done enough.
40:24And we'll see Pablo Kordiaka in the final with our other nine finalists.
40:30This is his third consecutive year of making the grand final.
40:36He's finished sixth and he's finished eighth before.
40:39Can he do better this year?
40:41Certainly looks strong.
40:42So, Stoltman Senior, the fastest through three stones, and that event win sees him top the
40:51group for just the second time in his career.
40:53Back in the final and with Michelle.
40:57Luke, congratulations on your group win.
40:59I mean, ten World's Strongest Man appearances and you've just reached your sixth World's Strongest
41:05Man final.
41:06That in itself is just so impressive.
41:08Yeah, I mean, again, it's very strange to hear those stats.
41:12It still feels like my first time whenever I come here.
41:15You have that kind of seeded out and planted in me all the time.
41:18Like, oh, this is going to be really tough.
41:20I'll be finished last in the group.
41:21I thought I was just coming out here for a party, a big Tommy party.
41:24But, yeah, here I am making my sixth final.
41:28And, yeah, it's class.
41:30I'm so happy.
41:30You've seemed pretty in the final now.
41:32What does it mean for you to be standing alongside your brother, Tom, for another year?
41:36I mean, it's everything.
41:37I mean, this is what we do.
41:38This is what we've been doing for 13 years now.
41:41We're saying we're the World's Strongest Brothers.
41:42And, you know, you can doubt me.
41:44You can hate me.
41:45You can doubt me and Tom.
41:46But one thing that is always going to be true is that we're the strongest brothers in the world.
41:50Because year in, year out, we keep proving it here.
41:51This is the biggest title to win.
41:53Tom's coming in here to prove that he is the strongest man in the world.
41:56And it means everything to both of us to be competing together.
42:00Doing it in mum's name and mum's honour, which is really cool.
42:04So, I know, again, she'd be looking down.
42:06She's looking down up in heaven or whatever it is she is, smiling with a big cheesy smile.
42:12And dad will be watching this with an even bigger cheesy smile back at home.
42:16So, big Benny boy, we love you.
42:18Big bad Ben.
42:19Hope we make you proud.
42:20And we're all smiling here for you, too.
42:22Thank you very much.
42:23Well done, Luke.
42:23Another proud year for all the Stoltman clan.
42:27Luke topping the group ahead of Pablo Cordiaga, adjoining brother Tom in another World's Strongest
42:33Man final.
42:34And there'll be four Brits in all there, with Shane Flowers and Paddy Haynes also qualifying.
42:39This year, remember, for the first time, all ten finalists will be ranked based on their
42:43performances in the heats.
42:45So, starting in first place will be Mitchell for the Moose Hooper.
42:49Well, those are quite possibly the most intense heats we've ever had on World's Strongest
42:52Man, and things are going to ramp up even further, of course, as the final gets underway.
42:57We've got some fantastic events in there, some brand new ones and some old classics, too.
43:00Make sure you're part of it, as well, when we return on the SPD World's Strongest Man.
43:07Yes, don't miss the final tomorrow at 7.30.
43:11Swapping the land down under for the bright lights of New York City.
43:14Paul Hogan is Crocodile Dundee tomorrow at 5 to 6.
43:18And tonight, who will reign supreme in the Battle of the Iconic Bands?
43:23It's ABBA versus Queen.
43:24Who are the greatest, next?
43:26Yes!
43:28Yes!
43:36Yes!
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