“While restrictions are being lifted in California at the start of our event, we will still be operating without fans this year.”
Check out their full post regarding the decision below:
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[Related: 2021 Rogue Invitational, Set for Oct. 29-31, Will Include Strongman Competition]
Lifting COVID-19 Restrictions
Leading up to the 2021 WSM, it hasn’t been clear when California would lift COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings of large groups. However, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) says the target date to lift COVID-19 restrictions is when the WSM contest begins — June 15, 2021.
According to CDPH’s announcement on April 6, 2021:
“On June 15, all industries across the state can return to usual operations with common-sense risk reduction measures such as masking and vaccinations.”
However, whether those restrictions will be lifted is not yet confirmed, as the announcement goes on to state: “[California] will only progress to this stage if we continue to stay vigilant, keep wearing our masks, and getting vaccinated. The state will monitor hospitalization rates, vaccine access, and vaccine efficacy against variants with the option to revisit the June 15 date if needed.”
With the lifting of restrictions not confirmed before the start of the competition, WSM organizers decided that foregoing spectators is the correct decision to ensure the “safety of our athletes, staff, and the local community.”
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[Related: Strongman Bobby Thompson Log Presses 217.5 Kilograms For New American Record]
2021 World’s Strongest Man
The official roster for the 2021 WSM contest has been released. The reigning champion Oleksii Novikov is slated to return and is currently deep into his prep, which includes a diet of over 5,000 calories per day. Additionally, 2020 WSM runner-up Tom Stoltman will return to challenge Novikov for the throne. There are plenty of strongmen on the roster who have a decent chance at winning the competition, including four-time WSM champion Brian Shaw and third-place finisher in 2020 JF Caron. Some big names who will miss the contest this year are 2019 WSM champion Martins Licis — his second consecutive year absent from the roster — and two-time WSM runner-up Mateusz Kieliszkowski.
The event list has also been released and includes staples of strongman competition such as the squat, deadlift, loading medley, keg toss, log press, Atlas Stones, and the return of Fingal’s Fingers. The 2021 WSM contest will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network and CBS Television Network at a later date, following the event’s completion.
Featured image: @jfcaronstrongman on Instagram
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