Morecambe strongman deadlifts 1,000lb in World Championship

A popular Morecambe strongman deadlifted 1,000lb at the World Championship at the weekend.

On his return to action after injury, Graham Hicks deadlifted 454kg at the event at the Cardiff International Arena, the opening event for Giants Live World Open, part of the World’s Strongest Man tour.

Twelve of the World’s Strongest Men took the stage, to face five seemingly impossible strongman challenges, starting with the heaviest of all: the World Deadlift Championships. Graham earned his spot in the 1,000lbs club, smashing his previous personal best.

The second event was a farmer’s walk and loading medley in which the athletes had to race with a 150 kilo hunk of steel in each hand, followed by a 120 kilo keg, a 120 kilo sack and a 115 kilo tyre.

Event three was a 150 kilogram log lift with reps, before a 30 kilo hammer hold, where Graham managed to hold on for an impressive 50.82 seconds.

Going into the final event, the Castle Stones, Graham had a good chance of making a podium finish, and finished second, but was just pipped to a top three finish, ending the competition in fourth place.

Speaking on his YouTube channel after the event, Graham said: ‘’I was massively happy with the deadlift and pulling 1,000 lbs.

‘’I was then happy with my 5^th place on loading , as that as my aim. I was sat in a good place and I felt confident.

‘’I had to go off one pad for the log lift and I couldn’t clean or press it properly. I only did three reps when I’ve been doing ten in training, which I was angry about and that cost me vital points.

‘’I came second in the hammer hold, before the (castle) stones. I was one point ahead (of third) going in, but it just wasn’t my day, and I slipped on one of them. I still put in a good time but it wasn’t quite enough for a podium.

‘’For my first event back, my groin is fine. And that’s the biggest win. I can go back training now, I won’t have to hold back, and I know my body is in a good place.’’