Less than 24 hours after winning the inaugural 2021 Rogue Invitational strongman title, Martins Licis returned to Dell Diamond in Round Rock, TX to win a Rogue Record Breaker event. Licis set the world record in Thor’s Hammer, lifting a 136-kilogram (300-pound) hammer off the ground to a locked-out standing position. As a result, he won $5,000.
The full lineup of competitors in the order that they lifted was as follows:
2021 Rogue Record Breakers — Thor’s Hammer
- Mikhail Shivlyakov
- Mateusz Kieliszkowski
- Laurence Shahlaei
- Martins Licis
- Trey Mitchell
- Josh Thigpen
The Thor’s Hammer an arm-lifting grip challenge. The athlete had to hold the handle of the hammer, lift it off the ground to a full standing position. When the judge gives the down command, the lifter can return the weight to the ground. Athletes could use either hand and change hands on each attempt if desired. They had one minute to complete the lift. The judge for this event was arm-lifting and strongman legend Odd Haugen.
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Thor’s Hammer World Record
The record going into the event was owned by Hafthor Bjornsson with a lift of 118 kilograms (260 pounds). The opening weight was 90.7 kilograms (200 pounds), which all six men completed. The next weight was 102 kilograms (225 pounds), and every man lifted it except Mitchell. The third hammer was 113.3 kilograms (250 pounds). All five remaining competitors successfully completed their attempts. Shahlaei switched from his right hand to his left to complete the attempt.
The fourth weight was the first that was above the record at 125 kilograms (275 pounds). Shivlyakov was the first to break Hafthor Björnsson’s record, quickly lifting the hammer with his left hand. Kieliszkowski went next, and he initially failed with his left hand. He tried with his right and was successful.
Shahlaei lifted the big hammer but didn’t maintain control of it. He was unable to lift it again and was eliminated. Licis, sporting a cowboy hat, followed Shahlaei and completed the lift easily. Josh Thigpen went after Licis but failed his attempt. The next hammer was the 300 pounder. Shivlyakov tried repeatedly with both hands but missed. Kieliszkowski couldn’t break the ground and was eliminated as well.
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Licis was the last man up. He missed with the right hand, but as he did in the final event of the Invitational, he came through and completed the lift with his left hand. After encouragement from the fans, he attempted to move the 147.3-kilogram (325-pound) hammer, but his attempt was unsuccessful. He still leaves Round Rock, TX with a world record to go along with his Rogue Invitational title.
Featured Image: @martinslicis on Instagram
