The Giants Live Strongman Classic solely began in 2020, however it’s no much less aggressive. With 11 athletes already confirmed for the 2022 version on July 9, 2022, on the Royal Albert Hall in London, England, there was nonetheless an unknown Wild Card. A little bit over a month earlier than the competitors, a rising strongman star lastly rounded out the ultimate 12-person roster.
On June 3, 2022, the Giants Live group introduced that Mitchell Hooper would take the ultimate slot within the 2022 Giants Live Strongman Classic. The announcement of Hooper’s addition may not be a shock with latest developments. Once Hooper made the 2022 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Finals in his debut, it’s cheap to imagine his star would rise quickly after. His Cinderella story of types in profitable Group 1 of the Qualifying Round was one of many extra noteworthy moments through the competitors.
Hooper’s spot on this upcoming competitors is now a pure step ahead.
Here is the place the 12-person roster now stands:
2022 Giants Live Strongman Classic Roster
- Oleksii Novikov (Ukraine) — Defending Champion
- Evan Singleton (United States)
- Paul Smith (United Kingdom)
- Chieck Sanou (Burkina Faso)
- Ken McClelland (United States)
- Konstantine Janashia (Georgia)
- Rob Kearney (United States)
- Andy Black (United Kingdom)
- Mark Felix (United Kingdom)
- Spenser Remick (United States)
- Adam Bishop (United Kingdom)
- Mitchell Hooper (Canada)
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After the information of his addition was made official, Hooper took to Instagram to clarify his potential method. As a newcomer, he appears to suppose this competitors is likely to be an uphill battle definitely worth the problem anyway.
“This shall be a enjoyable present,” Hooper wrote. “The occasions aren’t nice for me. It’ll expose a few of my weaknesses and set an amazing benchmark to enhance upon. The purpose — win regardless of a tricky set of occasions.”
Here are the occasions that Hooper notes will current an impediment for him and the opposite athletes:
2022 Giants Live Strongman Classic Events
- Dumbbell Medley
- The Pillars of Hercules
- Farmer’s Carry for Distance
- Axle Deadlift
- Castle Stones
Notably, whereas the format is totally different, Hooper may not have an excessive amount of hassle with a few of the occasions.
For instance, the Farmer’s Carry for Distance might bear some purposeful similarities to the 2022 WSM Car Walk — which Hooper crushed at 11.64 seconds. If the occasion seems to be centered on pace — considered one of Hooper’s strengths — he may very well be in nice form. Meanwhile, the Axle Deadlift will once more be for reps. That might additionally play into Hooper’s favor, who did effectively with the considerably comparable WSM Deadlift Ladder whereas pulling 5 reps in 31.21 seconds.
Hooper may not be totally assured now, however a victory positively isn’t out of the realm of risk.
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A Rising Star
Whatever consequence Hooper enjoys within the 2022 Giants Live Strongman Classic, it assuredly received’t be the top of his strongman ambitions.
Hooper has beforehand mentioned he’d like to interrupt the deadlift world document of 505 kilograms (1,113.3 kilos) through the 2022 World Deadlift Championships (WDC) on August 6, 2022. At the time of this writing, Hooper doesn’t but have an invite to the competitors. If Hooper does finally get an invitation — as somebody who as soon as deadlifted 475 kilograms (1047.2 kilos) whereas weighing beneath 140 kilograms (308.6 kilos) — his purpose doesn’t appear outlandish.
Only time will inform what the summer season holds for Hooper. If his latest burst onto the skilled scene is any indication, he’ll seemingly haven’t any points securing invitations wherever he desires to compete.
Featured picture: @mitchellhooper on Instagram