The 2020 World’s Strongest Man has already been hit by numerous athlete withdrawals. Now it seems that another athlete is out after Konstantine Janashia has tested positive for COVID-19.
There have been a lot of setbacks heading into the 2020 WSM, in large part due to the nature of 2020. However there have also been some other unexpected circumstances, from Hafthor Bjornsson retiring, to Mateusz Kieliszkowski and Rob Kearney being forced out from injury. Even the 2019 WSM champ Martins Licis is taking this year off, dealing with lingering effects of a car accident.
Now it seems that there has been another blow to the 2020 World’s Strongest Man roster. Hailing from the country of Georgia, Konstantine Janashia took to his Instagram to give his fans the disappointing news that just under a week before the start of the contest, he has been forced to withdraw. Apparently his COVID-19 tests have come back positive, forcing him to be unable to compete.
” Dear friends, today I received results for my Covid-19 test and unfortunately it was positive, because of that I won’t be able to participate in World’s Strongest Man 2020. 2020 turned out to be really unlucky year for me before competition I had injury , tear in my right hamstring, plus positive COVID-19 results. I apologize to all my supporters who had faith in me , and I’ll try my best to win upcoming 2021 competitions 😞💪🏻😞💪🏻”
View this post on Instagram
This is obviously a massive loss those who were excited to see the Georgian Gorilla in action at this year’s WSM. Konstantine Janashia brings nothing but skills and perseverance whenever he competes, and having him gone from the contest certainly makes things feel like there is something missing. The good news is that he seems to be feeling okay, and keeping a positive mind state, vowing to bounce back in 2021 and make his return to the biggest stage in strongman.
Konstantine Janashia Stats and Accolades
Like a surprising amount European strongman, Konstantine Janashia began his athletic journey in rugby. Since changing sports, he has found quite a lot of success, competing at the WSM on three occasions and making it to the finals in 2016. He also holds victories at many contests across Europe, and is a regular at Ultimate Strongman events.
Notable Performances
- 2nd Place, 2018 Europe’s strongest Man
- 4th Place 2017 World’s Strongest man
- 2nd Place 2017 Giants Live World Tour Finals
- 1st Place World Deadlift Championships, Leeds 2017 (400kg for 5 reps)
- 1st Place 2013 Arnold Classic Europe
Best Lifts
- 170kg Log Lift
- 300kg Squat
- 340kg Deadlift
- 165kg Farmers Walk
- 420kg Yoke
There is no doubt a level a disappointment that comes from Konstantine Janashia not being able to compete, especially when you consider all of the other athletes who have been forced out of the contest. However there is still a lot to be excited about for the 2020 World’s Strongest Man. Hopefully he can rebound from this as he seems to plan on doing, and be right back in this position when next year’s event comes around.
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