It wouldn’t be Christmas without the World Strongest Man Competition on the box. And this year Britain’s Eddie Hall pits himself against the best in the world.
Eddie revealed to What’s on TV that, just like we less muscled mortals, he’s a life-long fan of the competition: “I’ve been watching World’s Strongest Man over the Christmas period since I was a kid. Terry Hollands, who still competes now, was my hero when I was a teenager. He inspired me to get into Strongman.”
Eddie competes alongside his idol Terry Hollands in 2014’s 37th Strongest Man Competition in Los Angeles, California.
Eddie said: “At first it was surreal, but now it’s more normal. This is my third year competing in World’s Strongest Man. The competition tends to get harder but, as I get better, the competing gets easier. The camaraderie’s great. Everyone gets along and cheers each other on. It’s relaxed until the whistle blows!”
This year viewers will see the welcome return of signature events such Atlas Stones, Arm Over Arm Pull, Keg Toss, Farmer’s Walk and the newer Fingal’s Fingers challenge.
Eddie explained to What’s on TV which ones he’s looking forward to most - and least!
“My favourite events are the static ones that involve squatting, pressing or deadlifting. Bad events for me are moving ones like Farmers Walk or throwing barrels, which can be pretty fraught!”
The 26-year-old full-time truck mechanic also revealed to What’s on TV what keeps him motivated: “I want to be a good role model for my daughter, six, and son, two, and prove things can be done if you put your mind to it. My family sacrifice as much as I do so I’m representing them when I compete. I want to make the history books and they keep me motivated!”
But what does Eddie think his younger self would make of his transition from watching WSM to competing in it? “I’d think I was amazing!”
*The World’s Strongest Man Competition runs over the Christmas period on Channel 5 with the opening qualifying rounds in Australia screening on Saturday, December 20 and running throughout the week. The main event kicks off on Saturday, December 27 at 6.35pm, screening throughout the week with the grand finale on New Year's Day at 8.30pm.
