Krzysztof Radzikowski is officially the world’s strongest man after a testing closing day of the 2012 WSF World Strongmen Championship in Abu Dhabi.
Following up his first-placed finish on day one – which put him in the safe zone for automatic qualification in the final – the 30-year-old 137kg strongman from Poland powered his way through last night’s events in the UAE capital.
These included the Farmer’s Walk, with 160kg blocks in each hand, a medley event that consisted of carrying 120kg sand bags overhead and completing overhead log lifts, advanced Tyre Flips; and the big crowd-pleaser, the Truck Pull.
His final tally was 35 points, just two more than second-placed Laurence Shahlaei of the UK, whom competitors fondly called ‘Rocketman’ down to his speedy performances over the three-day strength athletics contest. In third was yesterday’s surprise package Josh Thigpen from Texas, USA with 27 points.
First, second and third placers received cash prizes of $6,000 (Dh22,000), $4,000 and $3,000 respectively, while the remaining 22 competitors, who came from as far and wide as Uzbekistan, Brazil, Australia and Iceland to take part in the inaugural Abu Dhabi event, were awarded medals and recognition certificates by patron His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Muhammad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan.
“It was a very successful event and we are very honoured to be able to host it here in Abu Dhabi,” commented Omid M Amiri, President of Asia Strongmen Federation.
