Mitchell Hooper is currently experiencing one of the most dominant surges into the sport of Strongman since Mariusz Pudzianowski in the early 2000s. In the last couple of years, he has taken the 2023 Worlds Strongest Man, the Arnold Classic (2023, 2024), the Shaw Classic 2024 (now “Strongest Man on Earth”), and the Rogue Invitational (2023, 2024). As the only man to win all 4 of these shows, he singularly holds the Strongman “Grand Slam”.
Here is a taste of his pressing and pulling ability, which are done around a body weight of 325lbs, which is a solid 100lbs less than Shaw, Thor and Hall in their prime:
One of the first questions I had for Mitch was about durability. The bone crushing contests that the best strongmen have to endure are only getting heavier, and those at the top compete 6-8 times per year (and often more).
His answer was surprising: aside from being genetically predisposed to being ‘sturdy’, Mitch credits his robust athletic background with his staying power.
He grew up playing hocky, football, baseball and golf, even working with Tiger Woods’ coach at one point. The regular exposure to impact and different movement patterns, he says, prepared him for the demands of strongman and bestowed an essential adaptability that won’t be seen in those who only lift weights.
You can see my full interview with Mitchell Hooper here, or listen to it on the “StrongerMan” podcast here: