Amateur Strongman World Championship Debuts at the Arnold

by staff members

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Michael Jenkins was one stone bobble away from winning the NAS National Championships in October 2009. “As soon as it happened, I knew it would cost me,” said Jenkins, “The field of amateurs in America is so strong that you can’t afford one mistake.” While disappointed by his second place finish, Jenkins remained undaunted. He set his sites on the next big show, The Amateur Strongman World Championship. This time Jenkins would face 49 competitors from around the globe, including Justin Warren, the man that bested him in October.

“In the US we all kind of know each other. We know the top guys and their weaknesses and strengths, but this time there were 29 other guys that I had never seen. Some of them with world class coaches like Raimunds Bergmanis,” said Jenkins, “I don’t really worry about the other athletes. I just work hard to be my best and do what I can do.” And indeed Michael Jenkins did. After day one of the event Michael was in first place winning 2 of 4 events and he never looked back. The 49-man field was cut to ten on day two. Jenkins won one of three events on Sunday, holding off a steady push by Mike Caruso and went on to claim the title of the Amateur Strongman World Champion. Jenkins also earned his ASC Pro-Card and a guaranteed spot at the Arnold Strongman Classic in 2011.

“Winning the amateur nationals and earning your ASC Pro-Card is sweet, “laughed Jenkins, “but winning on the big stage at the Arnold…. maybe just a little sweeter!”

The top ten athletes were Michael Jenkins, USA; Michael Caruso, USA; Alan Kliese, Australia; Artis Plivda, Latvia; Ryan Bracewell, USA; Jay Hughes, UK; Brad Ardrey, USA; Dainis Zageris, Latvia; Scott Cummine, Canada; and Paul Vallencourt, Canada.

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