The 2022 Shaw Classic started on Saturday, Aug. 13, in Loveland, CO, and 2020 World’s Strongest Man Oleksii Novikov, has already set a world record. The Ukrainian strongman successfully pulled 549 kilograms (1,210 pounds) on the Hummer Tire Deadlift to become the new world record holder. The lift can be seen in the Instagram clip below, courtesy of World’s Strongest Fan.
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To help him complete the lift, Novikov used figure-8 lifting straps and a weightlifting belt. It’s unclear if he wore a deadlift suit under his t-shirt and shorts.
For those unfamiliar with this deadlift variation, the Hummer Tire Deadlift is a partial deadlift movement, almost exclusively seen in strongman competitions. The diameter of the tires and the whip (or flex) of the bar mid-lift lift make it more difficult.
Novikov’s attempt saw him pulling eight Hummer Tires on the custom-made barbell. Combine those factors with the higher elevation of Colorado — Loveland sits 4,894 feet above sea level — and Novikov’s feat is even more impressive.
Novikov’s lift broke the previous record set by Canada’s JF Caron, who pulled 545 kilograms (1,202 pounds) at the 2020 Shaw Classic. The Hummer Tire deadlift was a standard event at the Arnold Strongman Classic, and Shaw Classic promoter and four-time World’s Strongest Man Brian Shaw integrated it into all three editions of his namesake show.
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Novikov’s world record was the final lift performed in the opening event of the 2022 contest. He also won the event and, when this article was published, is currently tied for the overall lead with 2021 Shaw Classic winner Trey Mitchell. Novikov is fresh off a victory at the Giant’s Live 2022 Strongman Classic. He also won the 2022 Europe’s Strongest Man title in April. Novikov has competed in all two of three Shaw Classics, placing third in 2020.
The Hummer Tire Deadlift is different from the 18-Inch or Silver Dollar Deadlift. Estonian strongman, Rauno Heinla, is the Silver Dollar Deadlift record holder, pulling 580 kilograms (1,278.7 pounds) at the 2022 Estonia’s Strongest Man contest. Novikov also owns a World’s Strongest Man record in the 18-Inch deadlift at 1,185 pounds, set n 2020.
Day two of the 2022 Shaw Classic will begin on Sunday, Aug. 14, at 3 p.m. Eastern time. The contest stream is available to purchase by ADL Pro and on the Shaw Strength Club website for members.
Featured Image: @novikov_strong_wsm on Instagram
