The sport of strongman has seen a boom in popularity in the last few years, but much of the attention has been placed on the heavyweights. Bigger men like Brian Shaw and Oleksii Novikov can lift the heaviest weights, so fans typically gravitate to the World’s Strongest Man and Arnold Strongman Classic competitions. However, times appear to be changing.
Anthony Fuhrman, a two-time World’s Strongest Man who competes in the U105-kilogram (231-pound) class, just announced that he’s promoting his own show specifically for U105 kilogram strongmen athletes. It will be called “Clash on the Coast” and is taking place at Tybee Island, GA, from April 30, 2021, through May 2, 2021 (tentatively, due to COVID-19). Both professionals and amateurs will be allowed to compete. According to the Clash on the Coast website, there will also be a free live stream provided with “expert commentary.” You can check out Furhman’s announcement on Instagram below:
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Clash on the Coast Events
This contest is currently unsanctioned, and Fuhrman is offering a $10,000 prize — of his own money — to the winner. His goal is to run this contest similar to the World’s Strongest Man. There will be two days of qualifying heats, with three events on each day, and five events for the finals, which will be on a separate day. Furhman — who is also an active duty service member for the U.S. Army — said the events will harken back to the old-school days of strongman. Here’s the list of events (weights have yet to be announced):
Day One Heats
- Log/block/Inch Dumbbell for Reps
- Duck Walk/Farmer’s Carry
- Sandbag Carry and Chain Drag
Day Two Heats
- Keg Toss
- Car Deadlift
- Odd Object Loading Medley
Day Three — Finals
- Max Apollon Axle Press
- Fingal Fingers
- Basket Squat
- Car Walk
- Thump Stone for Reps
Athlete Invites
This contest is a collaborative effort between Fuhrman and Iron Resurgence, a veteran’s advocacy group that “rebuilds veteran’s fighting spirit through strength sports.” Fuhrman first announced the professional and amateur contest on the Strong Talk Podcast on Dec. 7, 2020. The former Titan Games competitor also shared details of the contest with BarBend. Among those details are how athletes will be invited to compete.
According to Furhman, invites went out to the athletes who had the best performances in the United States in the past year. Nationals, America’s Strongest Man, and The Arnold were taken into consideration. Initially, Fuhrman did not think international athletes would or could travel to compete due to COVID-19, but after revealing the competition and hearing responses from International athletes, he opened spots to them, too. There will be an online qualifier, open from Feb. 1-28, 2021. Athletes can submit their efforts on www.strengthletecollective.com and will be able to track their standings. “Clash on the Coast” will accept 23 athletes, with five of those being reserves to compete in the case of injury or travel issues.”
He also made it clear that he has bigger plans for this contest. It will not be a simple one-off event.
“The intent is to not only run this annually, but expand to other weight classes getting their own shows, and international qualifiers.”
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Fuhrman says that the strongman community has accepted his announcement with open arms, offering him praise and support. He also made a point to mention that it is his personal mission to support the athletes and the sport of strongman overall.
“I am here to take care of the athletes and leave the sport better off than when I found it,” Fuhrman says. “If we all did that, this sport would dominate! If you want to support this effort, go to www.ironresurgance.com and go to www.strengthletecollective.com and support those who support the sport.”
Stay tuned to BarBend for more details on this contest as it develops.
Editor’s note: This article was updated on Jan. 26, 2021, to include information about the event’s live stream and the event list.
Featured Image: @anthonyfuhrmanstrong on Instagram
