The 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic is taking place from February 28 – March 1 in Columbus, Ohio. It features 10 elite athletes, all of whom are lifting incredibly heavy implements. However, seeing that this show is recognized as one of the most difficult ones in the world, the risk of injury is always present. Consequently, Maxime Boudreault had to withdraw from the competition, having suffered a bicep injury.
Maxime Boudreault got injured during the third and final event of day one at the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic — the Timber Carry. In this event, Maxime had to carry a 400-kilogram (881.8-pound) wooden frame across a distance of 11 meters. Moreover, the course was set at a slight incline, making the event even more difficult.
This has been one of Maxime Boudreault’s greatest events in the past, as his grip strength is great, and he is incredibly fast. So, he got off to an incredible start to the event but unfortunately got injured just before reaching the finish line. His bicep seemed to completely detach, as seen in the clip that Maxime shared in his YouTube video. Interestingly, had he crossed the finish line at that moment, Maxime would have set a winning time for the event.
Maxime Boudreault fell after tearing his bicep, which concerned many fans. He, however, revealed that he actually tried to finish the event by throwing himself and the frame over the line. So, the only injury that he suffered was the bicep tear.
“Today was the first day of the Arnold Classic and my last day…
As soon as I got to the top of the platform, my first step when I landed flat, my bicep popped. I just decided to dive to cross the finish line. So, I am okay, except for this little incident (bicep injury).”
Watch Maxime Boudreault’s recap of day one here:
Note: Maxime shared a slow-motion video clip of the moment he tore his bicep at the 12:32 minute mark in the video.
Related: Hafthor Bjornsson Narrowly Avoids Injury After Dropping Over 200-kg (440.9-lb) on His Back
Maxime Boudreault performed two events at the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic prior to his bicep injury. Unfortunately, the competition was not going in his favor at all, as he got a ‘No Lift’ on the deadlift since he is not used to the elephant bar. Moving over to the Overhead Gauntlet, Maxime struggled with the first two implements, thus only securing one point.
Maxime Boudreault has a very successful Strongman career, having been crowned North America’s Strongest Man in 2024 and Canada’s Strongest Man in 2022. However, his greatest success is arguably finishing in third place at the 2021 World’s Strongest Man competition. So, it is clear that Maxime is capable of battling against the best. Unfortunately, Maxime has been battling injuries in the past few years, having to withdraw from the 2023 WSM after breaking his shin bone and the 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic due to a lat injury.
Mateusz Kieliszkowski is another man who withdrew from the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic, but he decided to withdraw a few weeks before the competition. As per Mateusz, he has been struggling with injuries for the past few years, and he believes that he has to dedicate some time to the recovery process. So, Mateusz did not suffer any new injuries that prevented him from competing, but he believed that the appearance at the ASM would be too risky.
The level of Maxime Boudreault’s bicep injury is currently unclear, meaning that it is unknown just how long his recovery process could take. However, he still remains in good spirits and continues to cheer for his partner, Samantha Belliveau, who is competing in the 2025 Arnold Strongwoman Classic.
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