The Arnold Strongwoman Classic (previously known as: Arnold Pro Strongwoman) is an annual competition featuring strongwomen athletes from around the world, meant for determining who is the strongest woman in the world.[1] It was created by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jim Lorimer and Terry Todd in 2002 initially for men,[2] and extended by Jan Todd for women in 2017[3] as an offshoot of the Arnold Sports Festival. The competition takes place annually in Columbus, Ohio.
In 2023, the competition was officially renamed the "Arnold Strongwoman Classic"[4] in parallel to its male counterpart, the Arnold Strongman Classic.
A total of 6 events are held throughout two consecutive days to test the strength of the contestants. Each event will grant points in a system where the event winner scores the maximum points allowed (10), followed by the runner up getting 1 point less, the second runner up getting 2 points less, and so on. At the end of all the events, the contestant who earns the most number of points across all 6 events is declared the winner.
Elephant Bar Deadlift - Contestants are required to lift a specially designed extra whipping elongated bar with Arnold Schwarzenegger inscribed weight plates from a standard 9" height. The apparatus was designed and manufactured by Rogue Fitness USA.
Timber carry - Contestants have to lift heavy barn timbers bolted together and travel up an inclined ramp. The event is also known as 'Frame Carry'.
American Oak - A unique log where the athletes have to press for the maximum number of reps.
Axle press - Contestants must lift the unique fat grip barbell attached to the Apollon wheels from the floor to overhead as many times as possible within a time frame.
Dumbbell press - Lifting the classic heavy "Circus" dumbbell. The basic rule is to use one hand at a time and lift the dumbbell overhead for many reps as possible.
Stone to Shoulder and Steinstossen - Contestants have to either hoist a stone to their shoulder for many reps as possible or throw the Unspunnen Stone overhead for the furthermost distance.[5]
Bag over Bar - Contestants have to throw sandbags from 'a duck walk to an over head position' over a 12 ft bar.
Conan's Wheel of Pain - The event replicated the legendary grain mill from Conan the Barbarian (1982) where the contestants have to push the enormous contraption around in a circle for the maximum distance within 90 seconds.[6]
Victoria Long
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Donna Moore
Olga Liashchuk