WSM 2012 Athlete Profiles – Group 4

WSM 2012 LA, USA – Athlete Profiles – Group 4

Josh Thigpen

Nationality: American

WSM debut: 2005

Previous WSM appearances: Three (2005, 2006, 2011)

WSM finalist: None

Highest placing: 3rd in group (2005, 2006)

 

 

The popular American returns to WSM once again, aiming to book his first qualification through to the final at his fourth attempt. Thigpen took an impressive third place in Hungary, in spite of a biceps injury, at the Giants Live WSM qualifier. A man who has interests as diverse as chess and MMA, Thigpen is a tough competitor and now looks to be in good shape heading into Los Angeles in 2012.

 

Vytautas Lalas. 

Nationality: Lithuanian

WSM debut: 2010

Previous WSM appearances: Two (2010,2011)

WSM finalist: Once (2011)

Highest placing: Sixth [tied] (2011)

 

 

The Lithuanian number two, Lalas’ progression is continuing at a rapid pace. A WSM finalist in 2011, he took second place at Europe’s Strongest Man back in June in what was a first-rate line up of competitors. A man who is now in the very exclusive 200kgs plus log lift ‘club’, Lalas is also a tremendous squatter and deadlifter, is very mobile, whilst at the same time his weaknesses are becoming less and less. Lalas has been Lithuania’s Strongest Man in the past and also taken both Giants Live and SCL victories. Lalas is a very dangerous competitor, who should not be underestimated.

 

Name : Graham Hicks

Nationality: English

WSM debut: 2012

Previous WSM appearances: None

WSM finalist: n/a

Highest placing: n/a

 

 

 

One of three English debutants at WSM 2012, Hicks has made an extremely successful transition from the under-105kgs class. An impressive fourth place at Britain’s Strongest Man in May was one of the highlights of his year, demonstrating that he was able to compete with the best of British talent. A gifted log  lifter, who has a 200kg training lift to his name, Hicks has a definite chance of officially surpassing the  British log lift record in the near future.

 

Ervin Katona

Nationality: Serbian

WSM debut: 2009

Previous WSM appearances : Three (2009-2011)

WSM finalist: Twice (2010, 2011)

Highest placing: Seventh (2010)

 

 

One of the most consistent international performers currently competing, Katona has built up an impressive record of victories and podium placings in the SCL since 2008. A national champion on numerous occasions,  the overall season winner of the SCL in 2011 and a victor in eight SCL contests across Europe since its introduction, the Serbian is never far from the top positions whenever he competes. Katona, as with many WSM competitors, has phenomenal static strength. This is most evident in his pressing, with the Log Lift and Viking Press being two of his preferred events. He has also put this strength to great use in the bench press, with a personal best of 300kgs. A third consecutive final will be his primary aim.

 

Louis-Philippe Jean

Nationality: Canadian

WSM debut: 2008

Previous WSM appearances: Four (2008-2011)

WSM finalist: Once (2009)

Highest placing: Tenth (2009)

 

 

 

Returning for a fifth consecutive WSM appearance, the Canadian will have his sights set on making his first final since 2009. A former winner of Canada’s Strongest Man, LPJ is the current Canadian log lift record holder with 195.5kgs. Jean is also a tremendous squatter for both maximum weight and repetitions and has shown that when on top form he can mix it with the best in the world.

 

Ole Martin Hansen

Nationality: Norwegian

WSM debut: 2012

Previous WSM appearances : None

WSM finalist: n/a

Highest placing: n/a

 

 

Currently Norway’s Strongest Man, Hansen follows in the footsteps of a host of former WSM competitors in holding that title. As a debutant, his aims will be more modest than some, but there is no doubt that he will still be looking to become the first Norwegian to make the WSM final since Arild Haugen in 2008. Further into the future, the ultimate aim will be to emulate WSM legend Svend Karlsen and take the biggest prize in strongman.