2022 World's Strongest Nation Lineup Revealed
This week Giants Live released the lineup for the highly anticipated “World’s Strongest Nation” event. This strongman spectacle is set to take place on November 26, 2022 at the M&S Bank Arena In Liverpool, England. There are 2 teams of 9 athletes that will represent their respective countries of USA and the UK.
Let’s have a look at the lineup of the World’s Strongest Nation below!
2022 World's Strongest Nation Lineups
Giants Live which is one of the most well-known organizations in the world of strongmen released the lineup of the 2022 World’s Strongest Nation via their Instagram on June 24th in two posts.
The two teams that will battle it out are headed up by Robert Oberst for Team USA while Eddie Hall will lead Team UK. These two strongmen are good friends but we’re sure to see them take this contest seriously as they’re both competitive giants. Oberst and Hall also co-star in the tv series The Strongest Men In History which is reported to be coming back soon with new episodes.
Below are the lineups for each team with the athletes listed in alphabetical order:
Team USA
On Team USA’s side led by Robert Oberst there are a few highly recognized strongmen and women competing. Oberst who’s coming back from an injury is posed to show the world how he’s bounced back.
Plus there’s the notable Rob Kearney, Evan Singleton, Trey Mitchell and Bobby Thompson.
As for the women, there are some impressive athletes including Gabi Dixson the 2021 IPL World Champion and Nadia Stowers who was the 2021 Static Monsters Worldwide Champion.
- Inez Carrasquillo
- Gabi Dixson
- Kevin Faires
- Rob Kearney
- Trey Mitchell
- Robert Oberst
- Evan Singleton
- Nadia Stowers
- Bobby Thompson
Team UK
Team UK is packing a serious punch. You have Tom Stoltman who is coming off his second consecutive title after winning the 2022 World’s Strongest Man contest plus the former WSM winner Eddie Hall.
Plus there are 3 former World’s Strongest Women who join the ranks in three-time winner Donna Moore, Rebecca Roberts (2021) and Andrea Thompson (2018). Don’t forget about Luke Stoltman and Mark Felix who are sure to bring their best!
- Gavin Bilton
- Adam Bishop
- Mark Felix
- Eddie Hall
- Donna Moore
- Rebecca Roberts
- Luke Stoltman
- Tom Stoltman
- Andrea Thompson
CLOSING THOUGHTS
For anyone that follows strongman, this list is chock-full of some of the best strongmen and strongwomen in the world. Stay tuned for the festivities set to commence on November 26th where a handful of the strongest men and women from the UK and USA go at it for all the bragging rights of 2022 World’s Strongest Nation.
2022 Puerto Rico Pro Results
This weekend of June 17-19th played host to some big bodybuilding shows including the 2022 Puerto Rico Pro. This contest was held in San Juan Puerto Rico with multiple divisions vying for a chance to win an invitation to the 2022 Mr. Olympia.
Let’s look at the results from the 2022 Puerto Rico Pro below!
2022 Puerto Rico Pro Results & Recap
This show consisted of bodybuilders competing across a range of divisions including Men’s Open, Men’s 212, Men’s Physique, Classic Physique, Women's Bodybuilding, Women’s Physique, Fitness, Figure, Bikini & Wellness.
The winners in each division punched their ticket to compete at the 2022 Olympia which is set to take place from December 16-18th in Las Vegas.
Men’s Open
This division is one of the most hotly contested in the sport and I was Egypt’s Hassan Mostafa who ended up winning the title. At this same event last year he placed 3rd so this was a step in the right direction for Mostafa. In the 2021 Olympia He placed 13th so it will be interesting to see if he can improve his showing this year.
- Winner: Hassan Mostafa
- Second Place: Theo Leguerrier
- Third Place: C.J. Giatras
- Fourth Place: Andrea Muzi
- Fifth Place: Maxx Charles
212
Many would consider this division to result in an upset when Oswaldo Gonzalez took the title after narrowly beating out Bo Lewis. This is arguably the biggest win in Oswaldo’s career but he earned it after coming in with a super peeled physique.
- Winner: Oswaldo Gonzelez
- Second Place: Bo Lewis
- Third Place: Emmanuel Rodriguez
- Fourth Place: Abdullah Alsai
- Fifth Place: Ryan Walters
Men’s Physique
Clarence McSpadden walked away from the contest with a huge win. He competed in last year’s Olympia securing 16th place so we know he’s out for redemption this time around, let’s see if he can finish higher later this year.
- Winner: Clarence McSpadden
- Second Place: Anthony Gilkes
- Third Place: Andrea Mosti
- Fourth Place: Daniele Django
- Fifth Place: Rhyan Clark
Classic Physique
It was Emanuele Ricotti who edged out Carlos Dommar for the first place finish. Ricotti put on a near flawless performance to win the title. Dommar shouldn’t feel too bad about a second-place finish after all he’s already qualified for the 2022 Olympia with his win at the 2022 Optimum Classic Pro.
- Winner: Emanuele Ricotti
- Second Place: Carlos Dommar
- Third Place: Kelvin Hinde
- Fourth Place: Camilo Diaz
- Fifth Place: Ruben Stouth
Women’s Bodybuilding
Even though there were only three athletes in this division, it didn’t disappoint. Ultimately it was Reshanna Boswell who took home gold and will try to improve upon her 2021 Olympia performance.
- Winner: Reshanna Boswell
- Second Place: Julia Föry
- Third Place: Erika Danková
Fitness
With only two competitors there was a 50/50 chance of winning the title and it proved to be Tamara Vahn who crushed it. Vahn will try to break into the top five this year after her sixth place finish in the 2021 Olympia.
- Winner: Tamara Vahn
- Second Place: Cong Mou
Figure
Samantha Jerring owned the stage which led to her first-place finish. We’re sure Jerring is excited to be headed back to the Olympia to see if she can improve on her last performance.
- Winner: Samantha Jerring
- Second Place: Melissa Brodsky
- Third Place: Sh’Nere Mattise Deas
- Fourth Place: Kim Clark
- Fifth Place: Sh’Nere Mattise Deas
Bikini
Gabriella Mohamed edged out Francesca Stocio to win the division and earn her way to the Olympia. This one could’ve gone either way and we’re sure to see Stocio come back for vengeance at her next show.
- Winner: Gabriella Mohamed
- Second Place: Francesca Stoico
- Third Place: Liana Martinez
- Fourth Place: Jessica Miller
- Fifth Place: Jodie Yuncker
Women’s Physique
The winner of this division Claudia Gabriela de León Pardo put on a great performance. At this contest last year she placed fifth showing that she’s come a long way and is determined to improve as her career goes on.
- Winner: Claudia Gabriela de León Pardo
- Second Place: Ann Gruber
- Third Place: Takeela Reddrick
- Fourth Place: Marysel Cruz
- Fifth Place: Marianne von Gierke Barassi
Wellness
Gisele Machado is on a roll recently after coming off a win at the 2022 Miami Muscle Beach Pro show. She is poised to make a splash at the 2022 Olympia, keep an eye out for her.
- Winner: Gisele Machado
- Second Place: Jasmine Payne
- Third Place: Nerilde Garcia
- Fourth Place: Sheila Martins
- Fifth Place: Alejandra LaFonseca
CLOSING THOUGHTS
SET FOR SET congratulates all the athletes who competed at the 2022 Puerto Rico Pro. We can’t wait to see the winners strut their stuff on the Olympia stage later this year.
62 Year Old David Ricks Sets 3 IPF World Records
Last week we saw the 2022 International Powerlifting Federation(IPF) World Classic Championships take place from June 6-11th in Sun City, South Africa. During the week-long competition, the world witnessed numerous records fall as athletes from all divisions and genders put up some ridiculous lifts. One of those athletes, David Ricks who competed in the Masters 3 Division set three new world records at the young age of 62!
Take a look at David Ricks’ record-setting performance below!
David Ricks’ 2022 IPF World Classic Championships Results
David Ricks at 62 years old competed at the world famous powerlifting event in the Masters 3 division (ages 60-69) in the 93 kg class.
Ricks set three new IPF raw world records in squat, bench press and total. Ricks missed out on setting a new deadlift world record and didn’t seem too happy about it as he posted to his Instagram, “ a lot of folks thought it was a good lift” but two of the three judges gave red lights. That said, Ricks still holds the Masters 3 deadlift record with 287.5 kg (633.8 lb) which he set at last year’s IPF World Championships in Sweden.
Below is David Ricks’ full performance:
Squat
- 1st Attempt: 282.5 kg (622.8 lb)
- 2nd Attempt: 305 kg (672.4 lb) | Masters 3 IPF Raw World Record
- 3rd Attempt: 331.5 kg (730.8 lb) Unsuccessful
Bench Press
- 1st Attempt: 180 kg (396.8 lb)
- 2nd Attempt: 192.5 kg (424.4 lb)
- 3rd Attempt: 202.5 kg (446.4 lb) | Masters 3 IPF Raw World Record
- 1st Attempt: 265 kg (584.2 lb)
- 2nd Attempt: 290 kg (639.3 lb) Unsuccessful
- 3rd Attempt: 290 kg (639.3 lb) Unsuccessful
Total: 772.5 kg (1,703.1 lb) | Masters 3 IPF Raw World Record
With this performance, David Ricks is head and shoulders above his closest competition with his squat 65 kg higher, bench press 45 kg heavier, and overall total a whopping 117.5 kg heavier than the previous records.
WHO IS DAVID RICKS?
David Ricks is an American powerlifter from Barberton, Ohio. Ricks served as a Naval Officer for 22 years and also worked as the Director of General Services and Public Works Director for different municipalities.
David got his start in powerlifting while in the U.S. Naval Academy and never looked back. Ricks’ first competition came in 1981 and has continued his domination over the past 40+ years. Some of David Ricks' accomplishments are:
- 10-time IPF world champion
- 30-time National Champion
- USAPL Men's Hall Of Fame
- Numerous world and national record holder
CLOSING THOUGHTS
With no signs of slowing down at 62, Ricks is most likely going to stay atop the podium for some time to come. We know he’ll be gunning to break his own records again the next time we see him on the stage. Ricks is the embodiment of greatness and he serves as an inspiration for all.
2022 IPF Classic World Championships Results & Recap
The 2022 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Classic World Championships hosted in Sun City, South Africa came to a close on June 11th. The competition that started on June 6th lasted for six days and saw many new world records set in multiple weight classes in both the men’s and women’s divisions.
Let’s look at the final results from the 2022 IPF World Championships below!
2022 IPF World Championships Results & Recap
The biggest event in powerlifting took place across six action-packed days down in South Africa where we saw some truly inspiring performances. New world records were set in the Men’s 66, 83, 93 and 120+ kg classes while the women’s 47, 52, 57, 76 and 84+ kg classes also produced new IPF raw world records.
After six days of pushing iron around, we have the winners listed below in both all weight divisions and their respective weight categories.
2022 IPF World Championships Men’s Results
Starting with the 66 kg class we saw American lifter Jonathan Garcia put up a new raw squat record of 271 kg. Even with that massive lift he came in second behind Sweden’s Eddie Berglund who set a new IPF world record total with 710 kg!
In the 83 kg division we saw Asein Enahoro of Hungary break the deadlift record with 362.5 kg pull which helped him land a third place finish. Then in the 93 kg class we saw multiple world records including Chance Mitchell’s new deadlift world record of 373.5 kg and 878.5 kg total. Fellow American Jonathan Cayco landed in third place with the help of his new world record in bench press with 238.5 kg.
In the super heavyweight class it was Ilyas Boughalem of Algeria who put up a new IPF bench press world record of 291.5 kg which secured him a second place finish as Jesus Oliveras of the USA took the gold medal with a dominant performance.
Here are the top three finishers in each weight class with their total weight lifted:
59 KG
- Antoine Garcia (France): 565 kg
- Takaharu Ebihara (Japan): 555 kg
- Mehrdad Zafari (Iran): 532.5 kg
66 KG
- Eddie Berglund (Sweden): 710 kg | New IPF Raw World Record
- Jonathan Garcia (USA): 696 kg
- Kyota Ushiyama (Japan): 685 kg
74 KG
- Taylor Atwood (USA): 790 kg
- Paul Rembauville (France): 732.5 kg
- Joshua Wright (Germany): 730 kg
83 KG
- Delaney Wallace (USA): 802.5 kg
- Jurins Kengamu (UK): 787.5 kg
- Asein Enahoro (Hungary): 780 kg
93 KG
- Chance Mitchell (USA): 878.5 kg | New IPF Raw World Record
- Emil Krastev (Bulgaria): 877.5 kg
- Jonathan Cayco (USA): 873.5 kg
105 KG
- Emil Norling (Sweden): 912.5 kg
- Michael Davis (USA): 910 kg
- Abdul Majeed Sulayman (UK): 897.5 kg
120 KG
- Mahamed Sahad (Algeria): 920 kg
- Enrique Lugo (USA): 910 kg
- Carl Petter Sommerseth (Norway): 890 kg
+120 KG
- Jesus Olivares (USA): 1,022.5 kg
- Ilyas Boughalem (Algeria): 951.5 kg
- Cenk Kocak (Turkey): 930 kg
2022 IPF World Championships Women’s Results
The women put on quite a show beginning in the 47 kg class when Tiffany Chapon of France set three new world records (squat ,deadlift, total) and came in first place while Heather Connor set a world record in deadlift with 185 kg to win second place.
The 52 kg weight class also saw multiple world records set when Noemie Allabert put up a total of 438 kg and Pleun Dekker squatted 168.5 kg setting a new record. It’s also worth mentioning that Farid Farhanna set a new deadlift record of 197 kg although she didn’t finish in the top three.
In the 57 kg class Joy Nnamani from the UK won gold with the help of her new world record deadlift of 228 kg. Other world records set in this category were Bobbie Butters squat of 183 kg and Donna Berglund’s bench press of 123 kg.
In the 67 kg class it was Jessica Buettner of Canada who stole the show with a new raw squat of 218.5 kg and deadlift record of 261.5 kg. These lifts led to her tying Agata Sitko’s world record total of 585 kg. Beuttner won the gold because she weighed in slightly less than Sitko at 75.25 kg vs 75.65 kg. Beuttner’s deadlift is the heaviest raw deadlift across all women's weight classes!
Last but not least in the 84+ kg class it was Bonica Brown who set a new squat record with 273.5 kg and a new total world record with 668.5 kg!
Here are the eight women’s weight classes and top finishes with their total weight lifted.
47 KG
- Tiffany Chapon (France): 426.5 kg | New IPF Raw World Record
- Heather Connor (USA): 397.5 kg
- Simone Lai (Canada): 367.5 kg
52 KG
- Noémie Allabert (France): 438 kg | New IPF Raw World Record
- Pleun Dekkers (Netherlands): 423.5 kg
- Stef Kean (Canada): 422.5 kg
57 KG
- Joy Nnamani (UK): 480.5 kg
- Jade Jacob (France): 480 kg
- Bobbie Butters (UK): 478 kg
63 KG
- Meghan Scanlon (USA): 505 kg
- Chiara Bernardi (Italy): 505 kg
- Iris Scholten (Netherlands): 505 kg
69 KG
- Chandler Babb (US Virgin Islands): 535 kg
- Marte Kjenner (Norway): 532.5 kg
- Ivana Horna (Slovakia): 512.5 kg
76 KG
- Jessica Buettner (Canada): 585 kg
- Agata Sitko (Poland): 585 kg | New IPF Raw World Record
- Kimberly Walford (US Virgin Islands): 542.5 kg
84 KG
- Amanda Lawrence (USA): 615 kg
- Kristin Thorhallsdottir (Iceland): 580 kg
- Danielle Philibert (Canada): 540 kg
+84 KG
- Bonica Brown (USA): 668.5 kg | New IPF Raw World Record
- Emelie Leach (Sweden): 647.5 kg
- Amelie Mierger (France): 638 kg
CLOSING THOUGHTS
SET FOR SET congratulates all the athletes who competed at the 2022 IPF World Championships. These men and women put on a spectacle for the world to see with their amazing lifts.
How many more world records do you think these athletes will destroy in the near future?
2022 CrossFit Semifinals Strength In Depth, Copa Sur & Atlas Games Results
The last three of the 2022 CrossFit Semifinals happened over the weekend with the Strength In Depth, Copa Sur, and Atlas Games. These Semifinal events were spread out around the globe in London, England, Vitoria, Brazil, and Montreal, Canada; respectively.
Let’s look at how the top individual athletes performed at the remaining 2022 CrossFit Semifinal events and who made it to the 2022 CrossFit Games.
2022 CrossFit Semifinals Strength In Depth, Copa Sur & Atlas Games Results
The last 4 consecutive weekends, we saw the Lowlands Throwdown, Syndicate Crown, and the Torian Pro followed by Mid-Atlantic CrossFit Challenge (MACC) and the CrossFit Fittest in Cape Town, and most recently the Granite Games and The Far East Throwdown go down in dramatic fashion.
This weekend hosted the final three Semifinal events where competitors gave it their all for a chance to move on to the 2022 CrossFit Games.
2022 Strength In Depth Results
This competition saw athletes come in from around Europe to go head-to-head in London. Like the other Semifinals the athletes had to complete 6 challenging workouts and those who finished with the top five scores in the men’s and women’s will go on to compete in the 2022 NO BULL CrossFit Games.
Men
- Willy Georges
- Henrik Haapalainen
- André Houdet
- Giorgos Karavis
- Guillaume Briant
Women
- Jacqueline Dahlstrøm
- Emma McQuaid
- Thuridur Erla Helgadottir
- Solveig Sigurdardottir
- Elisa Fuliano
2022 CrossFit Copa Sur Results
This competition took place in Enseada do Suá, Vitória, Brazil where the top 30 men and women competed to land in the top five in each division to clinch their spot in the 2022 Games. The athletes battled it out in six tough events that tested their will to win, strength and endurance. By the end of the competition, the following athletes will be moving on to Madison.
Men
- Guilherme Malheiros
- Pedro Martins
- Agustin Richelme
- Nicolas Bidarte
- Lucas De Rosa
Women
- Victoria Campos
- Julia Kato
- Claudia Espinosa
- Amanda Fusuma
- Luiza Marques
2022 Atlas Games Results
The Atlas Games had the top 60 males and females from the 2022 Quarterfinals vie for a top five finish so that they can compete in August at the finals. We saw just a few points separate the top two places in both the men’s and women’s divisions but it was Jeffrey Adler and Emma Lawson who edged out the competition.
Men
- Jeffrey Adler
- Patrick Vellner
- Alexandre Caron
- Alex Vigneault
- Nycolas Joyal
Women
- Emma Lawson
- Paige Powers
- Caroline Conners
- Freya Moosbrugger
- Carolyne Prevost
CLOSING THOUGHTS
We now know which athletes we’ll be seeing compete at the 2022 CrossFit Games. However, those who came close during the Semifinals have one more chance to get through to the Finals at the Last Chance Qualifier that’s set to take place at the end of this month from June 29-July 1st.
Ryeley Palfi Dies At 19 In Tragic Motorcycle Crash
The young up-and-coming bodybuilder Ryeley Palfi of Canada died in a tragic motorcycle accident on June 8th, 2022. Palfi was set to take the stage in the biggest bodybuilding show of his life just three weeks away.
Ryeley Palfi Dies In Motorcycle Crash At 19 Years Old
The sad news broke of the aspiring bodybuilder, Ryeley Palfi’s death when his dad posted a caption on one of his son’s Instagram posts that read “Ryeley was in a tragic motorcycle accident last night. I don’t know how to reach out to his followers. Just know he didn’t feel any pain. I love you son so much 💔 I can’t even fn believe this is happening 💔💔❤️”
Ryeley who is extremely active on social media and has over 100k followers on Instagram had posted a few stories on his profile the same day he died in a horrendous motorcycle accident.
In his stories the day of his passing, it showed him getting on his new blue and yellow motorcycle as it was raining. During his Intsa stories, he mentioned there would be no speeding due to the rain. Apparently, Ryeley just got the motorcycle this past week according to some reports online. It seems like Ryeley might have died in the motorcycle crash on the way to or coming home from the gym.
The loss of Ryeley Palfi is a tough one as he was only 19 years old and he had the potential to be one of the best in the world. Ryeley planned on becoming the world’s youngest IFBB Pro, he was truly gifted in the physique department with a tiny waist against his massive upper body. Palfi had some insane genetics and surely would’ve made some waves in the bodybuilding circuit.
Ryeley had such promise to make it big time as he was recognized by Derek from More Plates More Dates. Derek actually sponsored Ryeley with his supplement line Gorilla Mind.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
SET FOR SET sends condolences to the Ryeley’s family and friends. Ryeley had big dreams and the potential to be one of the greats. RIP to the young man who inspired thousands of people to get in better shape.
Tiffany Chapon Sets New World Records At 2022 IPF Championships
French powerlifter Tiffany Chapon put on a dominating performance at the 2022 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Championships held in Sun City, South Africa on June 6th. Chapon who competes in the 47 kg (104 lb) class set three new IPF world records and claimed the title in her division.
Let’s look at her astounding performance below!
Tiffany Chapon’s 2022 IPF World Championships Results
The small but extremely powerful Tiffany Chapon of France is pound for pound one of the strongest people in the world. At last year’s 2021 IPF World Championships she won the title in Sweden with a total of 397.5 kg (876.4 lb).
This year, the 20-year-old Chapon weighed in at 46.9 kg (103.4 lb) and put up the impressive numbers below:
Squat:
- 1st Attempt: 152.5 kg (335.5 lb)
- 2nd Attempt: 160.5 kg (353.9 lb) | World Record
- 3rd Attempt: 163 kg (358.6 lb)
Bench Press:
- 1st Attempt: 90 kg (198 lb)
- 2nd Attempt: 96 kg (211.6 lb) | World Record
- 3rd Attempt: Waived
Deadlift:
- 1st Attempt: 160 kg (352 lb)
- 2nd Attempt: 167.5 kg (368.5 lb)
- 3rd Attempt: 170 kg (374.85 lb)
Total: 426.5 kg (940.4 lb) | World Record
Tiffany Chapon’s record-setting performance beat the previous world record held by China’s Chen Wei Ling.
To put Chapon’s performance in perspective, she lifted 29 kg (64 lb) more than the second-place finisher, Heather Connor of USA. Connor did however manage to set a new world record of her own with an astonishing 185 kg (407 lb) deadlift.
Tiffany Chapon burst onto the powerlifting scene in 2020 and hasn’t looked back since. With the 2022 IPF World Championships she has won 8 out of the 10 events she competed in. The other two events were second place finishes.
Check out Tiffany Chapon’s amazing lifts below as she shared to her Instagram:
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Tiffany Chapon is no doubt one of the best powerlifters we’ve seen and at such a young age she has plenty of runway ahead of her. If she keeps up her progression over the past two years she will be unbeatable.
After her performance at the 2022 IPF World Championships, she might decide to take a long deserved break. We can’t wait to see her come back and compete again as she left our jaws on the floor with the numbers she put up!
Keep an eye on Chapon if you want to watch greatness in the making.
2022 CrossFit Semifinals Granite Games & Far East Throwdown Results
The third week of the 2022 CrossFit Semifinals happened over the weekend of June 3-5th, with two events taking place across the world from one another. The Granite Games went down in Eagan, Minnesota, while the Far East Throwdown took place in Busan, South Korea. The top athletes from these competitions had a chance to earn their spot in the 2022 CrossFit Games.
Let’s look at the individual results of the Granite Games and The Far East Throwdown below.
2022 Granite Games & Far East Throwdown Individual Results
The 2022 CrossFit Semifinals are nearing the end with only one more full weekend of events. The season began with fierce competition as thousands of athletes battled it out during the 2022 CrossFit Quarterfinals. The elite athletes moved on to the Semifinals, where the best of the best have been going at it.
We’ve seen multiple competitions happen that produced some memorable moments for the CrossFit community over the past few weeks. First, the Semifinals kicked off with the Lowlands Throwdown, Syndicate Crown and the Torian Pro. Then the second weekend of the Semifinals came to the MACC and Fittest In Cape Town.
This weekend CrossFit played host to one event in North America with the Granite Games, while South Korea held the Far East Throwdown.
2022 Granite Games Results
The top five men and women in the individual divisions will make their way to the 2022 CrossFit Games in August.
Some big names competed at the outdoor Granite Games event, but ultimately, the dominant Brent Fikowski and the rising star Mallory O’Brien landed at the top of their respective divisions. The six grueling events tested the athletes’ raw power and endless endurance.
Men
- Brent Fikowski
- Phil Toon
- Travis Mayer
- Samuel Kwant
- Colten Mertens
Women
- Mallory O’Brien
- Amanda Barnhart
- Dani Speegle
- Alex Willis
- Emily Rolfe
2022 Far East Throwdown Results
Held in the port city of Busan, South Korea, some of Asia’s best athletes went head to head for a chance to earn their spot at the 2022 CrossFit Games. Only the top 2 men and women punched their ticket to the finals. The brutal six events weeded out the strongest and most conditioned athletes. At the end of the weekend, it was Roman Khrennikov and Choi Seungyeon who put on tremendous performances by winning 4 of the six events.
Men
- Roman Khrennikov
- Nasser Alruwayeh
Women
- Choi Seungyeon
- Seher Kaya
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Next weekend of June 10-12, will close out the 2022 CrossFit Semifinals with three events based on three different continents. After that, those who came close to the top during the Semifinal events will get one last try to prove themselves at the Last-Chance Qualifier on the weekend of June 29-July 1st.
Then at the beginning of August, from the 3-7th, we will get to see the finale as the best compete in Madison, Wisconsin, at the 2022 NOBULL CrossFit Games.
Lee Priest Inducted Into Muscle Beach Hall Of Fame
Lee Priest, the enigmatic bodybuilder hailing from Newcastle, Australia, was inducted into the Muscle Beach Hall of Fame in Venice Beach, California, on May 30th, 2022. Priest, who was a six-time Mr. Olympia competitor, was inducted into the Muscle Beach Hall Of Fame by John Balik of Iron Man Magazine, who’s also a member.
Lee Priest Inducted InTo Muscle Beach Hall Of Fame
Lee Priest had a long successful career in the sport of bodybuilding and was recognized for his contributions to the sport. He’s been referred to as one of the greatest champions to come from Australia.
During the ceremony, which can be seen below, Priest dedicated his award to the late great Eddie Guiliani. Giuliani recently passed away, and he served as a role model and mentor to many in the bodybuilding industry.
WHOS IS LEE PRIEST?
Lee Priest grew up in Australia and came from a family where bodybuilding was a part of life. It was Priest’s mom who got him involved in the sport as she was also a bodybuilder. At age 12, Priest started training, and within a few years, he had won multiple competitions.
Lee Priest had a long career in bodybuilding, from winning the 1990 IFBB Australian Championships until his last competition in 2013, where he won the NABBA Mr. Universe title. Priest competed at Mr. Olympia six times throughout his career, with his best finish in sixth place.
Here’s a look at some of the notable wins in Priest’s career:
- 1990 Australian Championships: 1st Place
- 2022 San Francisco Pro: 1st Place
- 2005 Grand Prix Australia: 1st Place
- 2006 Iron man Pro: 1st Place
- 2006 NOC New York: 1st Place
- 2006 PDI Night Of Champions: 1st Place
- 2013 NABBA Mr. Universe: 1st Place
CLOSING THOUGHTS
In recent months many in the bodybuilding were commenting on a possible comeback for Priest. After multiple injuries and setbacks, Priest shared some awe-inspiring physique transformation shots and videos on his social media. At 49 years old, who know we just might get to see Priest grace the stage again!
Antonino Pizzolato Sets World Records At 2022 EWC
The 2022 European Weightlifting Championships (EWC) began on May 28th and will run until June 5th in Tishana, Albania. We’ve already seen several world records being set, but the latest display of strength and power came from Antonino Pizzolato of Italy in the 89 kg class. He’s just won his second gold medal for the second year in a row. Check out his record-setting lift below!
2022 European Weightlifting Championships New World Records
The 89 kg class is a super competitive division, but it was Antonino Pizzolato that stood atop the podium after his record-setting performance. Pizzolato managed to set two new world records in the 89 kg class with his 217 kg (478.4 lb) clean & jerk and his overall total of 392 kg (864.2 lb).
Pizzolato put up the following numbers to secure his consecutive gold medals at the EWC:
- Snatch: 175 kg (385.9 lb)
- Clean & Jerk: 217 kg (478.4 lb) | New World Record
- Total: 392 kg (864.2 lb) | New World Record
With these lifts, Pizzolato bested the previous clean & jerk by 1 kg with the old record of 216 kg (476.2 lb) and beat the total of 387 kg (853.2 lb) by 5 kg!
Watch Pizzolato’s record setting lift below:
The top three finishers of the 89 kg class were:
- Antonino Pizzolato (Italy): 392 kg (864.2 lb)
- Karlos Nasar (Bulgaria): 382 kg (842.2 lb)
- Revaz Davitadze (Georgia): 369 kg (813.5 lb)
This is Pizzolato’s third gold medal from the EWC after winning in 2019 and 2021 in the 81 kg class. Pizzolato’s win was a massive milestone for the Italian weightlifting community, as the last time an Italian set a world record was 100 years ago.
Pizzolato defeated one of the great young weightlifters, Karlos Nasar of Bulgaria, to claim the gold medal. Although Nasar didn’t win the gold, the 18-year-old did set three new Junior on his way to winning silver. Nasar’s world record lifts were:
- Snatch: 171 kg (377 lb) | Junior World Record
- Clean & Jerk: 211 kg (465.2 lb) | Junior World Record
- Total: 382 kg (842.2 lb) | Junior World Record
CLOSING THOUGHTS
The 2022 EWC has provided us with some memorable moments in the sport of weightlifting. With numerous records falling, the field is being set for the 2024 Paris Games. We’ll be sure to keep an eye on both Pizzolato and Nasar, and we suggest you do too!
2022 CrossFit Semifinals MACC & Fittest In Cape Town Results
This past weekend from May 27-29, saw two of the 2022 CrossFit Semifinals take place, the Mid-Atlantic CrossFit Challenge (MACC) and the CrossFit Fittest in Cape Town. This was the second weekend of the 2022 CrossFit Semifinals, which includes 10 live in-person events around the globe.
Let’s look at the individual Elite division results from the MACC and the CrossFit Fittest in Cape Town events to see which athletes will be moving on to the 2022 CrossFit Games in August.
2022 CrossFit Semifinals Mid-Atlantic CrossFit Challenge and the CrossFit Fittest in Cape Town Results
Last weekend from May 20-22, we saw three Semifinals events take place; the Lowlands Throwdown, Syndicate Crown & Torian Pro. This weekend we saw some of the top athletes of the 2022 CrossFit Quarterfinals compete in both Nashville, Tennessee, and Cape Town, South Africa.
After wrapping up the 2022 CrossFit Quarterfinals, the Semifinals schedule is at the halfway point with five move events left to go.
2022 Mid-Atlantic CrossFit Challenge Results
The MACC event consisted of 6 grueling events that tested the athletes’ resolve in every way. At the end of the competition, the top five men and women punched their tickets to the 2022 CrossFit Games.
Men
- Saxon Panchik
- Dallin Pepper
- Cole Sager
- Noah Ohlsen
- Spencer Panchik
Women
- Danielle Brandon
- Sydney Michalyshen
- Baylee Rayl
- Brooke Wells
- Rebecca Fuselier
2022 CrossFit Fittest In Cape Town Results
This Semifinal event is highly competitive as only the top one athlete in the male and female divisions will move on to the 2022 CrossFit Games. That said, the athletes who finished in second through fourth place will have one last chance to make the cut as they can compete again at the Last Chance Qualifier, which is scheduled to take place from June 29- July 1.
Men
- Kealan Henry
- Jason Smith
- Darren Zurnamer
- Ruan Potgieter
Women
- Michelle Merand
- Christina Livaditakis
- Michelle Basnett
- Leeverne Engelbrecht
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Next weekend will see two more Semifinals events happen with the Granite Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the Far East Throwdown in Busan, South Korea. So stay tuned for more results as the second half of the 2022 CrossFit Semifinals come to a head.
Calum Von Moger Pleads Guilty To Drug Possession
Calum Von Moger pleaded guilty to the possession of drugs including cannabis, testosterone, and roughly two grams of methamphetamine at his hearing in Melbourne, Australia. Check out the story below for more on the tragic fall of the three-time Mr. Universe.
Calum Von Moger Pleads Guilty To Drug Possession
Calum Von Moger, once destined for greatness, had an abrupt fall from grace this year, starting with a road rage incident in the parking lot of a supermarket where he allegedly pulled out a knife on someone.
Then came his arrest back on January 31st, 2021, when he was pulled over in downtown Melbourne, which resulted in the cops finding a bag containing several illegal substances, including testosterone, cannabis oil, and methamphetamine. At the time, he said it was one of his friend's although he admitted to using testosterone and cannabis.
Not long after those troubles, Von Moger took to his social media to issue an apology and ask for forgiveness.
Then, in a crazy turn of events last month, Calum Von Moger allegedly tried to commit suicide by jumping through a house's second-story window. He was taken to the hospital after suffering severe injuries. Von Moger spent 11 days in the hospital recovering from his fall.
The result of Von Moger's court case didn't lead to a conviction or any jail time, but he was ordered by the court to donate $500 to a charity chosen by them. All in all, it was the best outcome Von Moger could've hoped for as his lawyer, Bernard Campigli, made a case of empathy for the one-time fitness superstar.
During the trial, Von Moger's lawyer highlighted some unfortunate events in his life that resulted in him making some bad decisions. Among the reasons for his erratic behavior included being car-jacked in Los Angeles, suffering severe injuries like tearing his quad, and a dramatic custody battle, which ultimately led to severe depression and anxiety followed by illegal drug use.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
We hope that Calum can put this behind him and get to a better place both mentally and physically. Everyone will face some tough times during life, and it's how we can bounce back from them is what matters most. This ordeal should stand as a harsh lesson to learn but will benefit Von Moger in the long run.