Contestants to pull bus in a show of brute strength

Abu Dhabi If you fancy seeing a man pulling a bus, then you can't miss the action on the final day of the World Strongest Man (WSM) competition tonight.

The three-day contest began on Sunday with 25 of the world's strongest athletes in pursuit of the prestigious award and WSM title. The event has seen their strength and endurance put to the test so far.

Each day, contenders compete in five different categories. The winner of each category accumulates points, and those with the highest scores overall make it to the next stage. Yesterday's semi-finals saw the top 15 athletes in action, while the final stage today will see eight people for vying for the title and other awards.

Ten of these giants saw their dreams dashed on Sunday after failing to score the required number of points.

"I am playing to win. I came close to the strongest man title last year and will get it this time," Laurence Shahlaei, 29, a British Iranian, told Gulf News.

American Kevin Nee, said he came to redeem himself after losing last year to Zydrunas Savickas.

An audience of all nationalities and ages came to watch the world's strongmen, even though some didn't exactly know what to expect.

Family outing

"I don't know what this championship is about, but I came with my family to enjoy. It's an outing for us and an occasion to watch an international championship," said Jordanian Ahmad Abdulla.

Emirati Reem Majid, 13 also didn't know what type of activities the event involves. "Though I am not sure what the event involves, I am curious to watch the world's strongest men and see [what] they look like," she said.

Some actually came to enjoy, in person, an event they have enjoyed watching on TV for years.

"I always watch them on TV. When I heard this morning on radio about the championship I didn't want to miss it," said Australian Jay Danielson.

Mohammad Hassan from the UAE also used to watch the sport on TV.

"I follow up this sport on TV but this is a good occasion to watch it live and see the strongest men on earth. Also it's a family outing," he said.

At a glance: Competition categories

1. Super Yoke — Athletes attempt to lift and carry a 350kg yoke on their shoulders for 25 metres, set down then lift and carry back to the starting line (total 25m). Furthest or fastest time to complete course wins. The athlete will have 60 seconds time limit to complete course.

2. Conan's wheel — Athletes will attempt to carry in the crutch of his arms for as far as possible a weight (350kg) arm that pivots on a universal joint. The distance is measured when the apparatus is set down. The one who covers the maximum distance wins.

3. Arm over Arm — Athletes pull a bus for a distance of 20 metres. One The fastest one wins.

4. Apollo Axle - on referee's command, a 130 kg axle is lifted from the ground then raised overhead extending arms and hold momentarily for the referee's "down" signal. Higher number of lifts wins. Time limit is 75 sec.

5. Ironmind Loading - 3 x120 kg, 3 sandbags need load to barrels. 12 m distance. Time limits - 75 sec.

Competitors' Countries

1 Krzysztof Radzikowski Poland

2 Farzad Mouskhani Iran

3 Laurence Shahlaei UK

4 Elbrus Nigmatulin Kazakhstan

5 Alexander Manserov Russia

6 Alexander Lashin Ukrania

7 Josh Thigpen US

8 Mark Felix UK

9 Nikolai Hansen Denmark

10 Stefan Solvi Peterson ISL

11 Tarmo Mitt Estonia

12 Vladimir Rizov Bulgaria

13 Antanas Abrutis Lithuania

14 Rolands Gulbis Latvia

15 Kevin Nee US

— I.S.