Strongman Archives

Konstantine Janashia is out in front at the end of day one at the Siberian Power show. The Georgian Bull was consistent throughout all four events on Saturday afternoon in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, and he currently holds a one-point lead, 44 to 43, over Travis Ortmayer.

Janashia and Ortmayer were tied heading into the final discipline of the day, the Power Stairs, but the Georgian simply dominated the event. Janashia was the only man to finish all 12 steps. The final implement, weighing 275 kg, caused the athletes a great deal of problems. Even Rauno Heinla, one of the best deadlifters in the world, couldn't get the last weight up a single step despite blitzing through the 175 and 225 kg implements. Travis Ortmayer, who was being cheered on by Janashia during his attempt, was very happy with second place. The Texan managed to lift the 275 kg weight up one step, and he had this to say on Instagram:

"Not only was it heavy, it was a massive block of concrete and the handle was tall as hell... all of which you don’t want in a power stairs implement! All that aside, what I really wanted to point out is the way strongman athletes never seem to hesitate to cheer their brothers on! With all that support, there was no way in hell I was missing that step!"

Dainis Zageris of Latvia is currently in third place with a total of 38 points. The veteran dominated the Bag Over Bar event, throwing five sacks ranging from 15 to 32 kg over a bar in only 12.50 seconds! Zageris was another man who managed to complete a step with the 275 kg implement in the Power Stairs.

Russia's David Shamey also wowed the crowd today. The resident of Belgorod, who turned 24 in March, normally competes at a bodyweight of under 110 kg. However, he certainly showed that he belongs in the open class, amassing 36 points during the first day of competition.

Strongman fans will be surprised to find Rauno Heinla down in 7th place. The Estonian always struggles with his grip, and he was at the bottom of the scoreboard in the Hercules Hold. Heinla faces an uphill battle, but he could still make up a few places in the final two events.

The athletes will have to face two classic tests of strength tomorrow: the Atlas Stones, ranging from 120 to 200 kg, and the Log Lift, which will require them to press out 170 kg for repetitions within a 60-second time limit.

Full results from day 1 are available here.