The 2024 World’s Strongwoman Classic (ASWC) kicked off on March 1, 2024, in Columbus, OH, as part of the 2024 Arnold Sports Festival. The defending champion, Victoria Long, touched down in the Buckeye State intending to retain her throne.
However, disaster struck during the opening event — the Max Elephant Bar Deadlift. Long collapsed to the floor on her third attempt with a hamstring injury that threatened her competition.
Right before the second event — the Timber Carry — began, it was announced that Long withdrew from the 2024 ASWC.
Check out BarBend‘s live Arnold Strongman & Strongwoman Classic leaderboard.
Long had a dominant performance in her gold-medal-winning 2023 ASWC. She was certainly a favorite to go back-to-back in the static-strength-focused competition.
Long looked strong in her first attempt in the Max Elephant Bar Deadlift event, locking out 261 kilograms. She furthered her leaderboard-leading pursuit on her second attempt of 288 kilograms, which saw a good-lift call from the judge.
Unfortunately, Long’s final attempt of 302 kilograms never reached lockout, and instead, Long dropped to the floor alongside the barbell. Long ranked third in the event, worth 10 points on the overall leaderboard.
Long’s withdrawal from the competition was not officially announced until the commentary team returned to cover the Timber Carry event, which began at 4:10 p.m. EST. With Long out of the competition, a new ASWC champion is guaranteed in Columbus.
Those who wish to tune in can watch the coverage live for free via the livestream on the Arnold Sports website and the Rogue Fitness YouTube channel.
Featured image: @onestrongb on Instagram
