The 2024 Giants Live Strongman Classic took place on July 13th at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England. It proved to be one of the most spectacular shows of the season at the very first event – the Max Axle Press. All 12 athletes had their turn to establish a one rep max, but Mitchell Hooper went beyond that, setting a 218-kilogram (480.6-pound) Axle Press World Record.
Mitchell Hooper was the last man to step out on the stage, as he was the only one even remotely close to the previous World Record. He loaded 218 kilograms (480.6 pounds) on the barbell. Having been preparing for the Axle Press for multiple months now, Mitchell had just one goal. So, he went full out in hopes of beating the previous record by 1-kilogram (2.2 pounds).
Mitchell Hooper’s first attempt with 218 kilograms (480.6 pounds) was unsuccessful. So, he took some time to rest and came back out to try again. The second attempt looked much better, leaving no doubt behind his success in the Axle Press. He managed to clean the axle barbell from the floor up to his shoulders and then utilized the split jerk technique to press the bar above his head. In turn, Hooper walked away with a new World Record.
Watch Mitchell Hooper’s lift here:
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The Axle Press World Record was previously held by some of the most notable Strongman athletes in history. Most notably, the 4x World’s Strongest Man, Zydrunas Savickas, held the record of 215 kilograms (474 pounds) for a while, but then Eddie Hall managed to beat it by one kilogram (2.2 pounds) in 2017. Ultimately, Cheick ‘Iron Biby’ Sanou managed to Axle Press 217 kilograms (478.4 pounds) at the 2021 Giants Live Strongman Classic. That was the record until now, as Mitchell Hooper has finally gained possession of it.
Mitchell Hooper does not seem to have any weaknesses, but in addition to that, he also has quite a few events where no one can match him. One is clearly the Axle Press, while he also excels in any type of moving event. All things combined have secured him plenty of success in just two years of his professional career as a Strongman.
Mitchell Hooper is mostly known for his win at the 2023 World’s Strongest Man, as well as his triumphs at the 2023 & 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic, and the 2023 Rogue Invitational. Overall, Mitchell has 17 International appearances and eight victories to show for it, giving him a very impressive win ratio.
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Multiple athletes have tried to utilize the Split Jerk technique throughout the history of Strongman, but Mitchell Hooper is by far the most successful one. Not only does this technique help him gain points in competitions, but it has also made him the greatest Axle Presser ever. With this record under his belt, Hooper further cemented his legacy in the sport.
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