Strongman Tire Flip: How the Event Works, Rules & History
What the tire flip is, how the event is scored for reps or distance, the technique behind it, and how it is used in competition.
The tire flip is one of strongman's most recognisable events. The athlete lifts the edge of an enormous truck or tractor tire, drives it up and over, then chases it down to flip it again, repeating across a set distance or for a set number of flips.
A competition tire is far heavier and more awkward than it looks, with no handles and a low, wide profile that forces the athlete into a deep, deadlift-like start. The flip rewards leg drive, hip explosiveness and the technique to convert a heavy pull into forward momentum.
Tire Flip World Records & Top Performances
5 recorded| Event | Athlete | Country | Record | Contest | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Yoke (380-399 kg) | Emanuel Pescari |
Austria
|
2.49 m/s(380 kg, 30 m, 12.05 s) | 2022 Austria's Strongest Man | Jun 18, 2022 |
| Super Yoke (400-419 kg) | Vidas Blekaitis |
Lithuania
|
2.65 m/s(410 kg, 30 m, 11.34 s) | 2007 IFSA Strongman World Championships | Sep 12, 2007 |
| Super Yoke (420-439 kg) | Derek Poundstone |
United States
|
2.35 m/s(422 kg, 30 m, 12.78 s) | 2010 Mohegan Sun Grand Prix | Apr 25, 2010 |
| Super Yoke (440-459 kg) | Graham Hicks |
United Kingdom
|
2.32 m/s(450 kg, 20 m, 8.61 s) | 2018 Britain's Strongest Man | Jan 27, 2018 |
| Super Yoke (500-519 kg) | Mitchell Hooper |
Canada
|
1.81 m/s(506 kg, 20 m, 11.06 s) | 2022 Shaw Classic | Aug 13, 2022 |
How the tire flip is scored
Tire flip events are usually run for time over a fixed course or as a flip-for-reps challenge. The athlete keeps flipping the tire end over end until they reach the finish line or the time runs out. A flip counts when the tire passes its balance point and lands flat on the far side.
Technique
The flip has three phases. The athlete sets up close to the tire in a low position, grips under the tread and drives with the legs to lift the edge. As the tire rises, they step in and switch to a pushing position, driving with the chest and hips. A knee or thigh can be used to "bump" the tire up before the final push.
- The pick: a deep, leg-driven lift of the bottom edge.
- The transition: stepping in to switch from pulling to pushing.
- The drive: a hard hip and chest push to send the tire over.
Every Flipping Event in Competition
Every contest instance that has featured a flipping event, sorted by date. Filter by year or division to study how the event has been programmed over time.
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