The sporadic palm trees lining the mall offered little respite from the belting sun and scorching temperatures, which reached 97F (36C) on the first two days.īy 8am on Tuesday 24 May, hundreds of spectators had gathered, many wearing tank tops and T-shirts bearing the names of favorite strongmen, some waving signs, others armed with Sharpies and cellphones, hoping to collect signatures and selfies.
It was an attractive location but an unforgiving one, with the athletes competing on an exposed strip of land. This year’s strongman competition was held on the Capitol Mall, in front of the looming white dome of the California state capitol building. It will support our army and the men who defend our country. “Whatever the country that wins this competition, its people will be the strongest nation,” he says. Photograph: Andri Tambunan/The GuardianĪfter friends died and he was forced to shelter underground as Russian forces shelled Kiev, the war in Ukraine has provided Novikov with extra motivation.
