2nd British Rolling Thunder Championships

I'll be posting up a bunch of info in the next 24 hours but here's the gist: Myself together with Bodypower at the NEC, Ironmind and Dennie Felix are putting together a Rolling Thunder competition where, if you lift the qualifying weight, you'll be lifting against World Strongest Man competitors. Last year the NEC saw some 25000 through the doors over the two days and on both days one of the busiest areas was the Strongman Arena with typical crowds averaging a 1000 at all times.

Interested...??

I'm waiting on confirmation from Denny Felix but am posting now. Be aware I may need to alter the terms and conditions on her request. Any questions - please ask. All rules etc may be altered at short notice as needed

2nd British Rolling Thunder Championships - 'Pros Vs Joe's'

Here's a chance to lift with some of the UK's best strongmen. Sponsors Ironmind together with Bodypower and Steve ‘Mobster’ Gardener are supporting a Rolling Thunder competition at the NEC. If you've never heard of it it's a spinning handle, a little over 2-inches thick to which is attached a heavily loaded pin.

You (see full rules below), bend down and with one hand pick it up. It sounds simple but the handle revolving means most untrained guys struggle with 60-kilos loaded, 70-kilos tests all bar the strong few and there’s a handful left once the weight gets to 80-kilos or 176lbs. The best lift using the latest model of the handle is a mere 271lbs under contest conditions.


Photo includes me at a full deadlift position, image of the handle (C) Ironmind and my set up for your persual

If you’re up the challenge…
Come down to the Strongman arena for try outs between 10am and 12 noon on Sunday 22nd May 2011 with the main event kicking off shortly after (please note, due to possible over runs and scheduling conflicts times may be changed at short notice).

How to qualify
Turn up, sign the waiver and try a qualifying weight. Fail... move on. Succeed and if willing you then put your name forward for the competition. Spaces and time are both limited and so we've selected a weight that should challenge you. 90-kilos or 198lbs all in. If more than is expected qualify we'll cut off when we have enough guys on a first come, first served basis. You MAY, if it’s not busy, be able to warm up but if not it’ll be straight in with a heavy weight – come prepared.

There will be prizes for the top three pros and for the best amateur.

Who are the pros?
Penciled in (subject to change) are WSM competitors and pro strength athletes Terry Hollands, Laurence Shahlaei, Mark Felix and more. From the world of grip strength Steve Gardener. Possible’s also include Mark Lawson, Tom Shaw and Lee Bowers

Refereed by former BSM winner Mick Gosling with the announcer being Les Wiltshire

If you have any questions contact Steve Gardener: steve@wheyconsortium.co.uk 


Rules and conditions
We'll need you to sign a waiver on the day and a name and contact info will be required.

As there may be scheduling conflicts it is suggested that you make sure, if you qualify, that you are available to lift once the main competition takes place.

Rolling Thunder® Contest Rules.
We’re using Ironminds official rules with the addition of rule 7.

1. An authentic IronMind® Rolling Thunder® handle must be used, it cannot have been modified in any way, and it must be inspected to ensure that it revolves freely. The lift starts with the weight in between the lifter’s feet. In the world championships (and the U.S. nationals), the 15"; loading pin and large carabiner that IronMind sells are used (this standardizes the lifting height). Any other loading pin and carabiner with the same dimensions could be used.

2. The lifter grabs the Rolling Thunder handle in approximately its center and lifts with the handle remaining approximately parallel to the ground. A thumbless grip is not permitted.

3. Any contact between the lifter's hand and the non-revolving portion of the handle disqualifies the lift.

4. The lifter must fully straighten up; once standing straight, the lifter gets a down signal from the referee, and must then return the weight to the ground. Contact must be maintained between the lifter's hand and the handle until the weight is resting on the floor. The referee then indicates whether the lift was passed or not.

5. In contest situations, we give the lifter one minute to complete the lift after his/her name is called; during that minute, there is no limit to how many times the lifter may try to complete the lift.

6. Ordinary chalk may be used on the lifter's hand, but nothing else is permitted (tacky, for example, is specifically disallowed).

7. Additionally, as is the norm for strength events, it's a rising bar and you'll have 4 attempts. We will allow world record 5th attempts.

hi i met you at bodypower at the nec arena earlier this year,
i had a go at rolling thunder while you had it on the stall, im sure i managed 85kg on my first ever try,
and you mentioned to me that if i had been using the rolling thunder that was used in the arena i would of managed a higher weight due to the different type of grip on the handle,
before then id never heard of rolling thunder but i was glad to have tried it and i was quite pleased with myself and was pleased to meet you