Tag: GI News

2021 Rogue Invitational Preview & Athletes To Watch

2021 Rogue Invitational Preview & Athletes To Watch

Here are some of the top competitors to watch at the 2021 Rogue Invitational.
The 2021 Rogue Invitational is the next strongman competition that will feature some of the top names in the sport. Elite competitors will gather in Dell Diamond Stadium in Round Rock, TX from Oct. 29-31 to see who will take home the gold in this event.
This competition will be a chance for some of the top athletes to get back into the swing of things. Martins Licis, who won the 2019 World’s Strongest Man competition, will return to action along with Rob Kearney. Mateusz Kieliskowski will be back on stage for the second time since returning from an injury.

There will be $130,000 given out to the winner of the 2021 Rogue Invitational. There will be four World’s Strongest Man champions competing along with plenty of world-record holders. Here are some of the top competitors that are expected to make an appearance at the event.
List of Competitors

Brian Shaw
Tom Stoltman
Luke Stoltman
Martins Licis
Mateusz Kieliszkowski
Robert Kearney
JF Caron
Mikhail Shivlyakov
Jerry Pritchett
Oleksii Novikov

Brian Shaw

Shaw will enter the competition as the oldest competitor at 39 years old. This does not mean that he is out of the running for a podium finish — quite the opposite actually. Shaw was the runner-up at both the 2021 World’s Strongest Man and 2021 Shaw Classic. There is plenty that should motivate Shaw heading into this competition. That includes the prize money and the fact that he is going up against all younger competitors. Shaw has made 13 straight appearances in the WSM competition.
Tom Stoltman
Stoltman is the reigning World’s Strongest Man champion and is looking to make an impact at the Rogue Invitational. He received a positive COVID test that kept him out of the 2021 Europe’s Strongest Man competition but this did not slow him down. Stoltman finished second at the 2021 Giants Live World Tour Final. Stoltman is one of the top competitors in the Atlas Stone event. He will be difficult to defeat if he comes in at his peak and performs the way he is expected.
Martins Licis
Licis has not competed in two years because of different injuries. This is a chance for the former champion to get back in the field of competition and prove that he is still one of the best. Licis is the perfect combination of elite strength and technique when performing in different events. Licis has shared many training videos recently which shows his work getting back to competition. Licis is always a contender to finish on the podium. It will be interesting to see how he competes in his first competition back.
Mateusz Kieliszkowski
Kieliszkowski is another strongman coming off an injury. This is his second competition back since suffering a triceps injury that forced him to miss some time. He is another podium contender if he enters in tp shape. There are five events in this competition and Kieliszkowski will have to finish near the top of the final three or four. In his first competition back from injury, he finished second to Novikov at the 2021 World’s Ultimate Strongman contest. He is still one of the competitors to beat. The fact that he has one competition under his belt since returning from his injury is a huge factor.
Oleksii Novikov
Novikov might be viewed as the competitor to beat in this competition. The 2020 World’s Strongest Man did not qualify for the 2021 finals but has been on a roll since then. Novikov took home the prize during the 2021 Strongman Classic, 2021 World’s Ultimate Strongman contest, and the 2021 World’s Ultimate Strongman Strength Island competition. This is not included a runner-up finish at the 2021 Arnold Strongman Classic UK. Novikov is not the biggest competitor but he has become one of the best competitors. He recently posted a video training with a heavy dumbbell and referenced the Rogue Invitational. He will look to keep his streak going next weekend.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Ryan Terry: How To Prepare For Long Distance Travel Before A Bodybuilding Competition

Ryan Terry: How To Prepare For Long Distance Travel Before A Bodybuilding Competition

[embedded content]

Ryan Terry shares the tips and tricks of preparing for long distance travel without ruining your bodybuilding diet and retaining too much water.
Ryan Terry is a pro bodybuilding competitor in the United Kingdom. Due to this – he often has to travel long distances for the biggest competitions of the year. The Arnold Classic and the Olympia, two of the biggest bodybuilding shows each year, both are held in the United States. This creates a mandatory 10 hour flight for Terry anytime he wants to compete at a major show.
This kind of long distance travel does not fit in with the structure needed for the daily bodybuilding lifestyle. When trying to look perfect for a competition – one 10 hour flight can throw off your peak timing right before a show. So how does a pro bodybuilder prevent disaster before appearing on stage? In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Ryan Terry breaks down his tactics for maintaining the necessary bodybuilding diet during long distance traveling before a competition.

It can’t be emphasized enough, a pro bodybuilder runs his or her body like a well oiled machine. Just like a machine, or say a car engine, everything must be kept in perfect condition to prevent issues down the road. This comes down to a daily level for bodybuilders – especially during the final weeks of contest prep. One wrong move can throw off peak timing. This means the athlete’s physique is off and a year of hard work is thrown out the window.
So when it comes to travel, a long flight can be a death knell for a pro bodybuilder right before a competition. Unfortunately, many pro bodybuilders must travel, sometimes across the globe, in order to compete in the best shows of the year. This is certainly true for Ryan Terry – who must usually travel at least 10 hours via plan to arrive in the states. During our video conversation, we asked for his personal tactics on maintaining his pinpoint diet and training alongside a flight throwing a wrench in traditional daily planning.

Ryan Terry acknowledges that a long flight can be disastrous for a bodybuilder. The 10 hours sucks up any time he could have been training and food options are limited. Also – staying seated on a flight for 10 hours can build up water retention in the body. This is the worst thing that can happen to a pro bodybuilder right before a show. That’s why Terry works backwards from landing in the United States – and plans out every single step of his travel plans well in advance.

It’s important to arrive early before a show – so that any problems that arise can be dealt with once settled in the competition location. Beyond this, Ryan Terry plans out his meal prep and his actions after landing off the plane by the minute. He looks up where nearby grocery stores are that fit his diet needs (usually Whole Foods), and plans out his trip step by step. He knows when he will land, when he will arrive at the grocery store, when he can get his first training session in a nearby gym.
By working backwards, he can then plan out the necessary meals to bring on the plan with him. Know if he needs to squeeze in a meal right before getting on a flight. He ensures that he eats the right kind of food to avoid water retention on the flight as much as possible. If it sounds like a lot – that’s because it is. The day of traveling requires the laser focus of a bodybuilder diet cranked up to 11.
You can watch Ryan Terry break down his travel prep in even more detail by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!

Chris Hemsworth Looks Shredded In Preparation For The Extraction Sequel

Chris Hemsworth Looks Shredded In Preparation For The Extraction Sequel

Chris Hemsworth has remained in his best shape preparing for this role.
Chris Hemsworth is an actor that is known for many things. His work in action movies keep him in top shape and that is the case once again in preparation for The Extraction sequel. Hemsworth has not been shy about sharing his recent progress on social media.
On Monday, Hemsworth posted his latest update heading into filming of his next movie. Hemsworth took to Instagram to share his recent update with his 50.9 million followers. It has been much like the others where the Australian actor is looking shredded and this has been the goal heading into his role.
“Six weeks out from shooting on Extraction 2 feelin good and ready. Shout out to my team at @centrfit for giving me all the tools I need for a bulletproof rig?????”

Chris Hemsworth took the time in his caption to thank his team at CentrFit. This is an app that Hemsworth launched last year to help give some different workout options. This includes at-home options which helped when gyms were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hemsworth credits the help he was given to reach his goals and come out with an incredible physique.

This is not the first update that Hemsworth has given. In September, shared a workout that he was using to prepare for his new role. This was another intense workout that tested the body in many different ways. For Hemsworth, the results have been visible.

“3 minute boxing round (cardio)50 squats (lower body)40 sit thrus (mobility)20 reps for each (core)exercise25 push ups (upper body)Rest 2 minutes 4 sets in total”
Hemsworth detailed the workout above. He has become known for his physique thanks to films such as Thor and The Avengers. This film is a sequel to an action movie that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
The Extraction highlights mercenary who is hired to bring back the kidnapped son of an international crime lord. This has to happen despite being up against drug traffickers and weapons dealers. Hemsworth returns as Tyler Rake and will be back on the big screen to take on a new mission.
Chris Hemsworth has been taking his body to new heights and it has given great results to this point. He has been active n social media throughout it all and this will certainly continue as he is interested in helping others achieve their goals. This is the purpose of his app and the reason he has put together some intense workouts.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Oleksii Novikov Completes 140-kg Dumbbell Lift In Training Session

Oleksii Novikov Completes 140-kg Dumbbell Lift In Training Session

Oleksii Novikov could have his eye on the heavy dumbbell world record.
Oleksii Novikov has done plenty to cement himself as one of the best strongmen in the world. He is only continuing to improve and he shows it during training sessions. Most recently, Novikov tackled an impressive lift with a dumbbell.
The heavy dumbbell has been dominated by two athletes. Novikov and Mateusz Kieliszkowski have been at the top of the game over the years. Both competitors have their own records when it comes to heavy dumbbell. Novikov currently holds the world record with 11 reps of a 100kg (220.5lb) weight in 75 seconds. Kieliszkowski holds the world record in Cyr Dumbbell with a 145.2kg (320lb) lift. This was completed at the 2020 Arnold Strongman Classic.

In a recent training session, Novikov completed a lift that was close to that of Kieliszkowski’s record. The 2020 World’s Strongest Man winner took to Instagram to show off a 140kg (308.6lb) lift.

Oleksii Novikov referenced the 2021 Rogue Invitational in his caption. This event will take place from Oct. 29-31 in Austin, TX. This will be the first time a strongman competition will be featured at this event and it will be headlined by two of the best. Kieliszkowski is a two-time runner-up in the World’s Strongest Man competition.

There will be plenty of talent present at the event along with Novikov and Kieliszkowski. Tom Stoltman, along with his brother Luke Stoltman, are scheduled to compete. Brian Shaw will also be present at the competition looking to take home the inaugural championship.

This is the second time that these two athletes will be competing against each other since Kieliszkowski returned from a triceps injury. The first time was during the 2021 World’s Ultimate Strongman competition, where Novikov won the prize and Kieliszkowski came in second place.
The 2021 Rogue Invitational will feature five events — rogue elephant bar max deadlift, cyr dumbbell ladder, the wheel of pain, yoke carry & overhead log lift medley, and stone over hitching post. The fact that there is just five events means that competitors will have to be their best right from the start. There is not much time to take an event off.
Novikov will not have a chance to break the world record here because of the event that is scheduled. It is a speed ladder and not an event where lifters will have a chance to max out. This has not stopped Novikov from training appropriately — and making it look easy. In the video, Novikov seems to pull off the lift and have plenty left in the tank.
Oleksii Novikov has put together a winning streak against in head-to-head battles and it will be interesting to see if he can put another win together. He will certainly be one of the favorites entering the weekend looking to make an impact.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Colin Congo Answers: Are All Pro Sports Riddled With Steroids?

Colin Congo Answers: Are All Pro Sports Riddled With Steroids?

[embedded content]

Colin Congo compares pro bodybuilding to other sports when it comes to steroid use and policing of PEDs.
Colin Congo is a pro natural bodybuilder and also an active member in the FBI. This creates an interesting intersection between his personal beliefs about steroid use in bodybuilding – and the legal reality behind policing illegal steroid use in bodybuilding and other sports. The sport of bodybuilding is a strange beast in this way. Most leagues don’t actively test for illegal steroid use. That being said, it’s a general understanding that most pro bodybuilders use PEDs in order to reach the shocking level of muscular and size on display during contests. This fact, it’s argued, is what prevents a more mainstream version of success for the sport – such as being televised on mainstream broadcasts.
But there are those who point out that bodybuilding really isn’t any different from other pro sports. While different sports have different degrees of testing – it can be argued that almost all pro sports have athletes that use steroids and PEDs. The fact that Olympic teams such as Russia were the subject of wide spread steroid use seems to be proof that not everything can get caught (even if they do get caught eventually). That’s why we ultimately pulled on Colin Congo’s expertise as both a natural bodybuilder and a member of the FBI – do all pro sports really engage in consistent use of steroids? In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Colin Congo shares his take on steroid use across all pro sports, how it’s policed, and if it can ever really be stopped.

No matter the sport, it seems at some point in time the greatest athletes in sporting culture ultimately get caught for steroids or other PED usage. Lance Armstrong is a famous example, as well as MMA legend Jon Jones. Most recently, the entire Russian Olympic team was the subject of a in-depth documentary exposing wide-spread steroid use among its athletes. Different pro sports handle drug testing in different ways. But one thing that seems to remain true is this – pro sports cannot 100% police PED use. Even for the most lucrative leagues – it’s too expensive and too logically complicated to regularly test all athletes.
With this in mind, how often are pro athletes really using steroids? Pro bodybuilding often gets a bad rap for steroid use and its unwillingness to test for it. But is bodybuilding really any different to other pro sports that are far more popular? Baseball, Basketball, Football – all major sports have their own steroid scandals. Is steroid use simply unavoidable on a pro level?

We asked this very question to Colin Congo – a bodybuilder who has dedicated his life to being all natural and also is an active member in the FBI. While he has no way of knowing the truth behind all key athletes across all pro sports – he is able to use his anecdotal experiences between the FBI and natural bodybuilding as a foundation for the bigger picture. As far as Congo is concerned, the logic is sound – steroid use is most likely far more used in pro sports than many fans realize.
Colin Congo says that a combination of massive money on the line and an uneven playing field contribute to steroid use in pro athletes. If an athlete knows some are using steroids, that puts them at a disadvantage. So why not close the gap by using PEDs as well? On top of that, many pro athletes have their income directly related to their ability. When hundreds of thousands of dollars are on the line – the risk is suddenly becomes more worth it.

Colin Congo points out the irony for how reviled athletes become upon being caught for steroids. For example, Congo recounts Lance Armstrong having his entire reputation destroyed by being caught for PED usage. A friend and colleague of Congo’s took a look at the stats for other cyclists during Armstrong’s time. All of them were hitting close levels to Armstrong. After he was caught, in the years after those times and stats dropped significantly.
Congo’s take on that data? Many more cyclists were using the same drugs – but didn’t get caught. The reality is that Lance Armstrong was doing the same thing as all other athletes on his level. He got caught, his reputation is sullied, but really the entire sport’s reputation should take a hit. The problem is more endemic than media makes it out to be.
You can watch Colin Congo go into full detail about his thoughts on steroid use across all pro sports in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.

Former 212 Olympia Champ Shaun Clarida To Compete In Men’s Open This Month

Former 212 Olympia Champ Shaun Clarida To Compete In Men’s Open This Month

Shaun Clarida is prepared to venture into a new category of bodybuilding.
Shaun Clarida has been one of the top competitors in the Men’s 212 division for years now. After reaching the pinnacle of 212, Clarida announced that he will venture into a new world of bodybuilding and compete in Men’s Open later this month.
Clarida took to Instagram on Tuesday morning to make the announcement. He will appear on stage during the Legion Sports Fest in Reno, NV. This event will take place from Oct. 22-24 with some elite competitors scheduled to make an appearance.
“? SURPRISE SURPRISE!!?
They said I wasn’t a GIANT KILLER because I never competed in the open, well, ask and you shall receive! #ChallengeAccepted“

Shaun Clarida is coming off a second-place finish at the 2021 Olympia in the 212 division. This comes one year after his championship during the 2020 competition. Clarida has finished in the top three in each of the last three years. This year, Derek Lunsford was able to get over the hump and defeat Clarida in the Olympia.

Clarida acknowledges the challenge that competing in Men’s Open will be and this is something that drew him to the competition. He wants to prove that he can hang with some of the biggest athletes in the sport. While addressing his intention to compete in Men’s Open later this month, Clarida made it clear that he is not leaving the 212 division.
“*It’s always been my plan to do an open show to give myself a new challenge and ultimately just have fun. I’ve always said timing is everything, so after placing 2nd at the Olympia, already being in shape and having absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain, this is a great opportunity to show that I’m not just a good 212 bodybuilder but a good bodybuilder period!,” Shaun clarida wrote.
(P.S I’m NOT leaving the 212 Division)”
In his Instagram post, Clarida shared the list of competitors scheduled to compete at the Legion Sports Fest. Cedric McMillan and Patrick Moore are on the list and will give Clarida immediate competition. Regan Grimes is also set to appear along with Maxx Charles. The list continues with the likes of Sergio Oliva Jr., who continues to be one of the best posers in the game.
After looking at the list of competitors, there is no doubt that Clarida will be challenged. This is something that the New Jersey native is looking for.
Clarida competed in his first Olympia 212 back in 2015. He has not missed one since that night and it seems like he will continue to be a force in the division moving forward. This venture into Men’s Open will only continue to strengthen Clarida’s game and his physique.
Shaun Clarida will look to prove that he can hang with the big boys in Men’s Open. This will be an event to watch to see how the 212 competitor matches up.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

2021 Strongman Corporation Open Results

2021 Strongman Corporation Open Results

Here are the full results from the 2021 Strongman Corporation Open.
The 2021 Strongman Corporation Open took place this weekend with competitors vying for qualification to the 2022 Arnold Strongman World Championships. The event took place from Oct. 15-16 in Salem, VA at the Salem Civic Center.
There were a total of 13 divisions in the men’s and women’s lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight sections. Competitors battled for qualification in six events — the rogue max log press, rogue bag toss, gorilla strength wheelbarrow deadlift, rogue axel clean & press, rogue yoke walk, and gorilla strength wheelbarrow race.

At the end of the event, there were 15 competitors who earned their proceeds. The full results have been announced and you can find the full breakdown below!

Lightweight Women

The top four competitors in the up to 120 pound division earned qualification to the Arnold Strongman World Championships while the top five in the up to 140 pound division earned theirs.
Up To 120 Pounds

Cynthia Martinez — 22 points
Kiara Medina — 14.5 points
Aimee Clickner — Eight points
Nicole Recchia — 5.5 points

Up To 140 Pounds

Kira Wrixon — 175.5 points — Earned Pro Card
Emma Pruitt — 163 points — Earned Pro Card
Jessica Helms — 161 points — Earned Pro Card
Jamie Navarro — 155 points
Nadia Morrison — 150.5 points

Middleweight Women
The top five competitors in both the up to 160 pound and 180 pound divisions earned qualification to the Arnold Strongman World Championships.
Up To 160 Pounds

Nancy Johnson — 64 points — Earned Pro Card
Mary Colasanto — 60 points — Earned Pro Card
Christy Senay — 46 points
Evelyn Valdez — 44 points
Jenny Draper — 37 points

Up To 180 Pounds

Jessica Mitchell — 88 points — Earned Pro Card
Cassandra Moore — 76.5 points
Katie Gutwald — 74 points
Kendra Danzer — 73 points (T-fourth)
Jamie Schamma — 73 points (T-fourth)

Heavyweight Women
The top two competitors in the up to 200 pound division earned qualification to the Arnold Strongman World Championships while the top five from the over 200 pound division earned the honor.
Up To 200 Pounds

Ashley Sorensen — Eight points
Katherine “Kitty” Cross — Seven points

Over 200 Pounds

Shaun Hairston — 109 points — Earned Pro Card
Pauline De Pinto — 98.5 points — Earned Pro Card
Colleen Meredith — 95.5 points — Earned Pro Card
Leilani Brown — 95 points
Jennifer Lyle — 94 points

Lightweight Men
The up to 150 pound division had just two competitors. The up to 175 pound division had 27 competitors vying for the top five spots.
Up To 150 Pounds

Peter Herguth — Eight points
Lauren Cohen — Three points

Up To 175 Pounds

Andrew Hanus — 158 points
William “Cody” Abell — 147 points
Quinn Romanasko — 128 points
Nicholas Boyce — 126 points
Sebastian Kluger — 125 points

Middleweight Men
The top five athletes in each of the next two divisions gained qualification to the Arnold Strongman World Championships.
Up To 200 Pounds

Charles Pierce — 92.5 points
Daniel Zimmer — 79 points
John Robinson — 69 points
Andrew Pepiot — 69 points
Marshall Buckler — 61 points

Up To 231 Pounds

Daniel Hughes — 274.5 points — Earned Pro Card
Tyler Young — 265.5 points — Earned Pro Card
Mark Jones — 264.5 points — Earned Pro Card
Matthew McQuiston — 256.5 points
Ryan Saxton — 256 points

Heavyweight Men
The top five athletes in each of the next two divisions gained qualification to the Arnold Strongman World Championships.
Up To 265 Pounds

James Ortmann — 56.5 points
Sean Deem — 54.5 points
David Elmore — 53 points
Garrett Payne — 50.5 points
Steven Spencer — 37 points

Up To 300 Pounds

Clayton Desilva — 107 points
David Tinsman — 94 points
Brian Kichton — 93.5 points
Thomas Sroka — 90 points
Alex Stults — 88 points

Over 300 Pounds

Jack Plankers — 278.5 points — Earned Pro Card
Thomas Evans — 269.5 points — Earned Pro Card
Nick Davis — 242.5 points — Earned Pro Card
Lucas Hatton — 237 points
Matthew Webb — 235 points

For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Nick Walker Appears As Guest Poser At 2021 NPC Utah Classic

Nick Walker Appears As Guest Poser At 2021 NPC Utah Classic

Nick Walker was back on stage at the Utah Classic as a guest poser over the weekend.
It has been quite the year for Nick Walker. He has quickly turned into one of the biggest names in bodybuilding and will only continue to improve. After a fifth-place finish at the Olympia, Walker was back on stage but this time it was as a guest poser.
Walker appeared at the 2021 NPC Utah Classic over the weekend. This event took place on Oct. 16 at Cottonwood High School in Salt Lake City, UT. Walker took to Instagram on Monday to announced that a YouTube video will be released of his latest appearance in Salt Lake City.

We will continue to update this article as more information and the video is released.

Nick Walker has been an up-and-coming name in bodybuilding for awhile now. This year, he began to take the next step to the top.

Walker was victorious at the New York Pro, which earned him qualification to the Olympia. Just two weeks before the biggest event of the year, Walker won the Arnold Classic and put him in a good position heading into Orlando. On the night of the finals, Walker claimed fifth place. He finished behind two-time champion Big Ramy, Brandon Curry, Hadi Choopan, and Hunter Labrada.

Following the Olympia, Walker stated that he was not satisfied with his fifth-place finish. This will be motivation heading into next year. Walker has built incredible size and is one of the biggest mass monsters in the sport. His conditioning will continue to improve and this will keep him near the top and as one of the best competitors.
This was a chance for Nick Walker to show off his skills and meet some other aspiring bodybuilders. Walker made sure to document the event and make a video to put together his experience from the Utah Classic. This was an exciting experience for both Walker and the competitors and fans at the Utah Classic.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Patrick Moore Explains The Reason It’s Offensive To Suggest He Move To Classic Physique

Patrick Moore Explains The Reason It’s Offensive To Suggest He Move To Classic Physique

[embedded content]

Patrick Moore details why he was annoyed at the suggestion he move down to Classic Physique division.
In 2021, there are now more divisions in pro bodybuilding than there ever has been in the history of the sport. What once used to be squarely one division now has eleven. This allows athletes to determine what kind of ultimate physique they want to achieve and find success in that framework. It also brings a lot of couch critics out of the woodwork. Fans can and will often speculate if a pro competitor would be better off in a different division. Patrick Moore has no plans to leave Men’s Open bodybuilding – and has found it offensive to suggest he does otherwise.
This became clear when King Kamali publicly stated that Patrick Moore should move to Classic Physique. The comment sparked a back and forth reaction between Moore and Kamali and brought their debate into bodybuilding headlines. During our conversation with Patrick Moore, we asked him about this moment so that he could further explain his mentality and why he was annoyed by the comment. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Patrick Moore explains why it’s offensive to suggest he move down to Classic Physique.

With so many divisions in pro bodybuilding, there are more options than ever for athletes to find success. No one competitor is locked into the division they start in. There has been some debate as to whether or not this is a good thing. Some believe that this dilutes each division and encourages athletes to not push as hard. Supporters find that this brings in more athletes as a whole – and encourages athletes to compete who otherwise wouldn’t try due to the kind of physiques Men’s Open demands.
Some bodybuilders have had great success changing divisions, such as Hadi Choopan, who moved from Men’s 212 to Men’s Open. Many were worried he would fall behind against larger competitors. Ultimately, his risk paid off with consistent top five placings at Mr. Olympia. So when King Kamali suggested that Patrick Moore possibly move down to Classic Physique – it might not have been that crazy of an idea in general.

But from Patrick Moore’s perspective, this comment was unhelpful, unrealistic, and slightly insulting. During our interview, he explains that all it took was one competition where he looked off for the suggestion to come along. In fact, he points out that Kamali had praised his Men’s Open physique in 2019.
Patrick Moore points this out directly during our conversation:
“What lost it for me with him was this was a guy that was giving me praise in 2019 when I was in the open class. So once I come in a little off… so now I should go to Classic? It’s just crazy.”

Patrick Moore also points out that he would need to drop down to about 206 pounds at his height. So he would have to lose quite a bit of weight in order to qualify to compete in Classic Physique:
“So at the Olympia 2019, I was 236 [pounds]. There’s no way – and I was peeled. I had no fat. There was no way I was going to cut down to 206 pounds. So for him to say some ignorant sh*t like that… it’s like he’s miseducating… you’re telling people I should do something that’s impossible.”
Patrick Moore feels that, since King Kamali has a rather large following, his comments are misleading fans to expect something that Moore believes to be impossible. It poisons the well and changes the kind of fan interaction Moore has leading up into the next competition. Moore felt that key aspect is what made the comment disrespectful.
You can watch Patrick Moore explain his comments in full detail by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!

Russell Orhii Crushes Own Squat World Record In Training Session

Russell Orhii Crushes Own Squat World Record In Training Session

Russell Orhii is still the king of squats in the 83-kg division.
There are some powerlifters that are just on their game no matter where they are. Russell Orhii is an example of this and he made it known in a recent training session.
Orhii strolled into a commercial gym for a training session last week and was feeling pretty good. This was apparent because of the amount of weight that he loaded on the squat rack. Orhii is the current world-record holder in the 83-kg division at 320.5 kg (706.6lb). This is a lift that surpassed that record by nearly 19 pounds.

In the video, Orhii is seen with 725 pounds on his shoulders and completes one rep. This would have been good enough to shatter his own record if performed in a competition.
“I almost took an L squatting 725lbs/329kg in a commercial gym ??”

Russell Orhii made light of the lift in his caption but this was performed rather easily. There seemed to be some left in the tank and this could be building confidence for the next time that Orhii decides to step on stage. This lift was obviously not recognized as a world record because it was not done in competition and Orhii seems to be using uncalibrated plates.

Nonetheless, it is always impressive when a lifter can move a total of 14 45-pound weights. This is a record that was recently achieved by Orhii.
During the 2021 IPF World Classic Championships, Orhii put on a record-setting performance. He gave the crowd in Halstad, Sweden something to remember. During the show, Orhii set his world record squat while also totaling 841 kg (1,854.3lb), another record in the 83-kg division. It is clear that Orhii can perform on the biggest stages and that will continue to be the case moving forward.
Orhii took to Instagram after the World Classic Championships to celebrate his achievement. After watching the lift and seeing the emotion, it seems clear that there is no stopping Orhii moving forward.
This meet met so much more to me than just the lifting. It was by far my most difficult prep because there were SO many valid reasons to drop out. However, the the job got done in the face of adversity and NO ONE can take that from me.
“I’m going to take some time to get stronger and bring a MUCH better package to my next season of lifting.”

Russell Orhii is a name to watch moving forward in the powerlifting game. He has asserted himself as a force, especially in squat, and will continue to put up big-time numbers. The only questions remains is when he will decide to take on his own world record in competition.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.