World's Strongest Man 2014
paul_jt
Posts: 219 Forum Member
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A thread to discuss this traditional Christmas staple.
The Giants Live qualifiers have been shown this week on Channel 5.
First a huge moan at scheduling. The third qualifier (Hungary) was shown before the second (Britain).
The main event starts showing on Saturday. Hopefully in the correct order!
The Giants Live qualifiers have been shown this week on Channel 5.
First a huge moan at scheduling. The third qualifier (Hungary) was shown before the second (Britain).
This led to the inexcusable introduction of the British competitors in Hungary as the reigning and runner up at Britain's Strongest Man 2014!
Perhaps it was desirable to show the two British based events last. Doncaster was arguably the best event, both in terms of competition; close finish, and production; Caroline Pearce presenting. But the commentary for Hungary should have then been amended.
Moan over, praise where due. The World's Strongest Viking qualifier was a wonderful themed edition. Much more interesting than the usual exhibition centre.Perhaps it was desirable to show the two British based events last. Doncaster was arguably the best event, both in terms of competition; close finish, and production; Caroline Pearce presenting. But the commentary for Hungary should have then been amended.
The main event starts showing on Saturday. Hopefully in the correct order!
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Comments
Full list of heats here.
Thanks.:)
So far Terry Hollands and Eddie Hall are through.
Ben Kelsey isn't, but I guess that was to be expected as it's his first go at this.
I hope Laurence Shahlaei gets through, I really like to see him do well, because when he's on form he's very impressive.
Mark Felix must be getting on a bit now, but good luck to him. He may struggle.
Which leaves Graham Hicks, who I presume will be in the final qualifier.
He should stick to cricket
I don't like that there is not much of an audience - having it out the front of a hotel leaves it devoid of spectators. It would be better being held in a stadium or somewhere which would give more atmosphere and would spur the contestants on with people cheering for them. Even when someone wins and qualifies for the final seems like an anti-climax - there is no cheering and even the contestant doesn't seem all that thrilled. There is no celebrations and it's just like 'ok, that's me in the final then'.
Remember him all those years back aha
Yes, keg toss is in the final. Final events are loading, overhead medley, keg toss, truck pull, squat and stones.
Ultimately, it is a television show and filmed in such a way as to be not so spectator-friendly as to necessarily encourage large crowds. Larger crowds are harder to manage for a production team and consequently it can seem a little devoid of atmosphere. This isn't always the case. West Virginia in 2008 was marketed slightly differently due to the involvement of Phil Pfister and crowds turned out in large numbers, especially for the final. The plane pull at Yeager airport had thousands (not hyperbole) in attendance.
Shame about Savickas in the keg toss. His first one went miles over the bar and he looked quick too before the missed one messed up his rhythm. The event itself scares me just thinking of one of the kegs bouncing back towards the thrower.
Really glad about the result and happy it was a close contest.
So close. Only half a point in it.
It seems like Eddy Hall might be our best chance for the future. But it's hard to see a British contender coming up anywhere near to the standard of Savickas, Thor, and Brian Shaw.
It seems like they raised the weights even higher than usual for some events which is going to make it even harder for our British hopes.
It must do well and make money though. Simply because it's been on every year for almost 40 years.
It's one of the main to-watch programmes for me every Christmas.
Despite twelve men in the final, the contest was concentrated around the top four. Given each heat has only six men, the final deserves more screentime.
Each Englishman had their star event; Shahlaei (circus medley), Hall (squat) and Hollands (trucks* pull). However, it would have been nice to see more of them. *Not a typo: trucks (plural!) pull.
Production was good with all three presenters in their respective roles. The how many people scales was also a helpful graphic. But - No heart rate monitors. The LA scenery was not as impressive as other locations in previous years, this IMO can compensate for small crowds.
Highlight was the superb keg toss. Overall a worthy winner of the title. Till next year.
I've been watching it when I can since the days Geoff Capes was in it. Jon Pall Sigmarsson was a big favourite to watch too. He was quite the showman.