Laurence Shahlaei

2011 Event Information:

Generally known as ‘Loz’, Shahlaei somewhat surprisingly didn’t make the final in 2010. However, he has come back with a bang this year, winning two Strongman Champions League (SCL) events, and also secured early qualification to WSM 2011 after taking second place in the Giants Live London contest in March. In the same competition, Shahlaei, along with Brian Shaw, became the joint holder of the strongman deadlift world-record. Both men pulled a colossal 430kgs. In July of this year, Shahlaei won the British Log Lift championship with a British record of 190kgs. On his powerlifting debut in February 2010, Laurence totalled 932.5kgs, with belt and wraps only.

Question & Answer session:

How many hours per day do you train?

1½ - 4 hours

How many days do you train per week?

6

What does your training involve?

Weightlifting, Plyometrics, Cardio and Event Training.

What does your diet normally consist of?

Breakfast: Porridge, Bananas etc.

Lunch: Pasta, Meat and Veg.

Dinner: More Meat, Veg and Rice.

What made you want to become a strongman?

Watching WSM on TV when I was younger and I have always been interested in things to do with strength.

How old were you when you started training and competing in strongman?

21 years old – I started in the gym fairly late.

What is your greatest strongman achievement?

Winning the squat event at WSM 2008. Winning UKSC England’s strongest man 2009.

How do you manage to balance work and training for strongman?

I am currently taking some time off work to focus on strongman but I am struggling to balance fatherhood with training!

What is the worst injury you have ever had?

Torn bicep, during the final of Britain’s Strongest Man 2007.

What are your plans after your strongman career?

Set up some businesses with my partner – hopefully connected to sport in some way. Get into films and WWE wrestling! I appeared in the Golden Compass in 2007.

What has been your biggest disappointment whilst training as a strongman?

Injuries – particularly those sustained during a competition.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a strongman?

Don’t!

What is your favourite strongman event and why?

The farmer’s walk – because I have always been good at it and I think it is a good test of natural strength.

What is you least favourite strongman event and why?

Atlas stones – it’s an event I still need a lot of work on, particularly since tearing my bicep.

Which past strongman do you admire now & why?

Bill kazmier and Vasyl Virastyuk for their intensity and belief in themselves – they remind me of me!!

Which current strongman do you admire now & why?

Mariusz Pudzianowski – he’s the best strength athlete of all time – the total package.

How do you prepare yourself for major events?

With smart training – I tailor my training specifically for my next upcoming competition.

What is your favourite other sporting event?

I enjoy watching any major athletics or tennis events.

What do you do to relax? Do you have any hobbies?

Spend time with my girlfriend and my new baby daughter, spend time with friends and family and try to catch up on sleep!

Given your size, what’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?

I fell through a roof whilst working on a building site!

Do you have any nicknames? If so, what’s the story behind your nickname.

Big loz – self explanatory!

What would be your favourite type of holiday and destination?

Somewhere hot – Florida.

What is your favourite film?

I don’t have a favourite – but enjoy comedies and cheesy films like Rocky!

What car do you drive now and what car would you like to drive?

I drive a new vauxhall astra estate – my dream car would be a hummer!

What personal achievement are you most proud of?

Having my baby girl in may this year.

Who is your biggest threat for 2009 and why?

I’m not considered one of the favourites for this year so my aim is to do my best on each event and concentrate on my own performance.

If you could saint a sports person who would it be?

Roger Federer.

General stats:

• Bench press max weight: 200kg
• Squat max: 365kg
• Dead lift max: 380kg

Biographical information

I first started strongman training in 2005 and entered my first novice competition that year where I finished 8th. I then continued to train and entered more competitions gaining experience as I went. I entered my first britain’s strongest man in 2007 after finishing 1st in the midlands qualifier. I made the final of bsm this year but then had to withdraw after tearing my bicep on the tyre flip. I won the midlands qualifier again in 2008, made the final of BSM 2008 and finished 4th, qualifying for world’s strongest man 2008. This year I won midlands strongest man for the 3rd year in a row, I also won the UKSC england’s strongest man title and am looking forward to doing my best at this year’s competition.