Mariusz Is The Greatest
As good as Kaz was back in the early 80's there's no doubt that Mariusz has taken strongman competitions to a whole new level....he's simply in a league of his own, emphasised even more so by his ripped physique, a shape that somewhat 'bucks the trend' in terms of what most would consider necessary to move heavy weights and a shape that no other WSM competitor has ever come close to achieving.
Have a look at the the weights that Kaz lifted when he was competing, they simply don't compare with todays WSM event....for example, the farmers walk was a max of 100kg in each hand, whereas they now use 150-180kg in each hand, the dealift was approx 280kg for reps, they're now moving 340kg for reps....a big step up.
I'm sorry to disappoint but Mariusz is king.
In the UK the 2009 WSM is currently being aired every monday night (3rd heat with Mariusz tonight) on Bravo, channel 123. There are 5 heats and then the final....it's just a pity they don't air the competition when it's being made, given that the WSM 2009 final was recorded in Malta back in late Sept/early Oct 09....I won't spoil it by listing the top three but the final prooves to be very close indeed.
For the guy that trains at Darrens Saddler's gym, there's no doubt that he is very strong for his size (and in good shape too) but i'm afraid that unless he adds 30-40lbs he won't be able to compete at the very top....he just doesn't have the 'mass' for the real heavy events like truck pulling, super yoke, car walk, etc.