The 4x World’s Strongest Man, Brian Shaw, recently posted a Q&A video on his YouTube channel on September 27th, where he discusses a wide range of topics and shares some interesting facts about his very successful career. Specifically, his thoughts on the 500-kilogram (1,102.3-pound) deadlift and whether he could complete it.
Only two men in history have deadlifted 500 kilograms (1,102.3 pounds) or more in a sanctioned event. Hafthor Björnsson currently holds the World Record of 501 kilograms (1,104.5 pounds), which he set in 2020. However, Eddie Hall was the first man to lock out exactly half a ton. He did so at the 2016 Giants Live Deadlift World Championships, but many people are not aware that Brian Shaw was also invited to compete that year.
Brian Shaw just happened to reach his deadlift prime that year, having also secured his fourth WSM title. So, one of Brian’s fans asked him why he did not attempt to deadlift 500 kilograms (1,102.3 pounds) at that time. To which Brian replied that he had spoken with the organizers; however, they were unwilling to allow another weight jump choice between 465 kilograms (1,025 pounds) and 500 kilograms (1,102.3 pounds). Prior to going after the half a ton deadlift, he wanted to pull at least 485 kilograms (1,070 pounds). However, the organizers didn’t allow it, so this is what swayed him to make a decision not to compete.
“I wanted something in the middle. That’s the jump that I was prepared to do. I just wanted to set a new personal best for me at that time.”
Shaw also indicated that he does not use a deadlift suit, even though it is permitted, which makes locking out 500 kilograms (1,102.3 pounds) much more difficult. However, if he were to use a deadlifting suit, half a ton deadlift would have been a possible outcome.
“I was not going to wear a suit. I’ve performed my deadlifts that way just because it is important to me to pull them without the assistance of a suit… Maybe I should have considered doing that, but I don’t really regret it.”
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Brian Shaw’s Q&A Recap
Another interesting question for Brian Shaw was what his max bodyweight ever was. Brian is 6-foot 8-inches (2.03 meters) tall, so he is able to carry a lot of weight. It turns out that the heaviest he ever got was at the 2017 World’s Strongest Man, where he weighed between 460-470 pounds (208.7-213.2 kilograms).
“I would say that’s probably for me kind of the tipping point of being too heavy, where I was on a daily basis beginning to feel very very miserable.”
Brian Shaw didn’t want to weigh that much, but he made the decision to become as heavy as possible after seeing what the events were at the 2017 WSM. After the competition was done, Brian immediately started slimming down.
“It was just getting ready for that event and trying to be as prepared as I could for the squat, deadlift, viking press. Going into that contest, there were a lot of events that required me to be very very strong in one spot.”
The next tip Brian Shaw shared was how to train smart and listen to your body when it comes to longevity in sports. Later on in the video, Brian also explained how to balance training and spending time with family.
Apart from this, Brian Shaw announced a collaboration with Eddie Hall soon, talked about grip strength, and gave his thoughts on Strongman competitions focusing less on strength, and more.
You can watch the full video here:
Related: 4x World’s Strongest Man Brian Shaw Gives a Tour Of His Massive New Gym
There is no doubt that Brian Shaw is one of the greatest Strongman athletes in history, and he won’t be retiring anytime soon. Additionally, he intends to leave the sport in a better place than it was when he entered it, and is currently organizing a yearly competition called the Shaw Classic. In terms of coverage and professionalism, this year was the best yet. Trey Mitchell managed to defend his title, with Brian coming in second.
As far as competing goes, Brian Shaw recently declined the invite for the 2022 Rogue Invitational. He backed it up by revealing that he wants to take some time to rest and spend some time with his family. So, Brian won’t step foot on a stage until next year.
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