On Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023, Laurence Shahlaei made strongman history at the 2023 Donald Dinnie Day at Potarch, Scotland. Shahlaei broke the world record for the longest carry with the legendary Dinnie Stones by walking them a distance of 22 feet, 4 inches.
Shahlaei’s distance furthered his previous mark of 14 feet, 10 inches by over seven feet. Check out the historic march via the Instagram reel below, courtesy of Cerberus Strength:
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Shahlaei can be seen beginning the walk on the back of a tractor-trailer flatbed with the stones in hand, taking small steps forward. With each step, his expression showed signs of greater confidence.
Two-time World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Tom Stoltman cheered Shahlaei. After eclipsing the world record, Shahlaei carried on as far as he could before dropping the stones. Upon release of the stones, Shahlaei celebrated with the crowd. He used chalk to support his grip and wore a lifting belt during the walk.
The most significant aspect of Shahlaei’s new record? He is the first documented person to have carried the Dinnie Stones further than Donald Dinnie himself.
It feels amazing to still be breaking records at this stage in my lifting journey.
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Shahlaei was the 2016 Europe’s Strongest Man and finished as high as fourth in the WSM contest. He has been a coach and commentator for the sport since retiring in 2019. He made one final appearance for Giants Live in 2021, finishing seventh in that year’s Strongman Classic.
Donald Dinnie Day
The Dinnie Stones were named after Donald Dinnie, who had carried the stones for the width of the Potarch Bridge; 17 feet, 1.5 inches. The stones were originally there as counterweights to support the bridge itself. The stones weigh a combined 332.49 kilograms (733 pounds). The smaller stone weighs 144.47 kilograms (318.5 pounds), and the larger stone weighs 188 kilograms (414.5 pounds).
Other notable athletes in attendance at the Dinnie Day event were 2019 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Martins Licis, Luke Stoltman, the first woman to lift the Dinnie Stones — Dr. Jan Todd — three-time World’s Strongest Woman (WSW) Donna Moore, and the lightest woman to ever lift the Stones, Chloe Brennan. Donald Dinnie Day is held at Potarch Park on the first Sunday of August annually.
Featured image: @biglozwsm on Instagram
