FORTISSIMUS - Nouvelles

NEWS

POUNDSTONE: SUPERMAN ON A MISSION

He knows how to shift from conditioning to crazy heavy training. How to focus on becoming a powerhouse. He proved that he could overcome strain and pain. Steer away from any distraction. Put everything related to his goals in perspective. Hit the stride and display a show of strength that will match the best of best.

He is 27 year-old Derek Poundstone from Waterbury, Connecticut. He has been weight training since age 13, the last five years as a professional strongman. And he is about to become America's greatest strength performer since Bill Kazmaier.

The Connecticut phenom is going places. And he might just end up as the undisputed Strongest Man in the world. He won the 2007 America's Strongest Man title by the widest margin ever since that contest has first been held, 10 years ago. He made a near podium at the 2007 IFSA's World Championships. He edged out Mariusz Pudzianowski at the 2008 Mohegan Sun Super Series, creating the first big upset of the year. And he battled Zydrunas Savickas at the 2008 Arnold Classic despite a serious muscle tear. That was early this March.

Should he beat the Polish Power and Big Z at FORTISSIMUS 2008, he would absolutely rock the world strength community. "Make the competition into whatever you want, I'll be ready ! Bring it on !" said he. That indicates the state o mind he is in. So, when Derek Poundstone speaks up, a large audience has started to listen. Just like Ali, he calls the tune right.

Here is how Derek Poundstone called it as he answered the questions of FORTISSIMUS. (The interview was conducted on March 22, 2008 by Paul Ohl)

Q1 FORTISSIMUS
Three years ago, you seemed like the new kid around the block. You are now racing to the top of the strongman world. How do you explain such a drive?

A1 POUNDSTONE
I've always been very driven but in the beginning of my strongman career, I never really trained the events. I would just train with weights then go and compete, usually dong pretty well all things considered. Since 2005 I hooked up with a great strongman group in CT called CT Strength. We train at Tom and April Ciaffiaglione's house in Southington, Ct. Training with the impliments has allowed me to compete to my fullest of potential. I still have quite a bit of room for improvement!!

Q2 FORTISSIMUS
Where do you see yourself at the end of 2008, now that you have already qualified for this year's WSM, stated your case at the Arnold's and with FORTISSIMUS in sight?

A2 POUNDSTONE
I'm going to focus on Fortissimus in June then I would like to take time off until WSM. I'm planning of coming into Fortissimus and WSM in the best possible shape. For the Mohegan Sun competition I had only 13 days notice, I was plenty strong but not in the best of conditioning. For the Arnold I was plenty strong but had suffered a fractal pec tear 6 days prior. I've always been able to adapt to the various types of competitions out there and I believe Fortissimus and WSM will further state my case.

Q3 FORTISSIMUS
What does it mean for you to be facing Mariusz and Zydrunas, head to head, at FORTISSIMUS 2008?

A3 POUNDSTONE
I think it’s more significant for the sport as this is there first showdown since the 2005 and 2006 ArnoldClassic and the 2004 WSM competitions. I'm excited to be able to compete against athletes of this caliber. Its also important to mention the ongoing rivalry between Travis Ortmayer and I that will continue at Fortissimus. Its going to be a great competition, I cant wait!!

Q4 FORTISSIMUS
Given the events, the participants, will FORTISSIMUS be your greatest challenge to this day?

A4 POUNDSTONE
All in all every competition has its very own "personality". Judging by the events, the competition will be a fantastic show of strength but I feel the greatest challenge is the caliber of athletes invited!

Q5 FORTISSIMUS
Should you win FORTISSIMUS, your name would be forever associated with Louis Cyr's own. Put this in perspective.

A5 POUNDSTONE
It would be an amazing honor to win against this group of guys. In all accounts, this is one of the greatest competitor line-ups ever seen in Strongman. Marius and Z are both at their peak shape and Holland, Felix and company are also very hungry to win. Its gonna be a battle for sure and in the end, the winner will have a lot to be proud of!

Q6 FORTISSIMUS
You predicted your win at the 2008 Mohegan Sun Grand Prix and you won. You said you would be a surprise at the 2008 Arnold's Classic and you were just that. What is your call for FORTISSIMUS?

A6 POUNDSTONE
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I believe I have put together the total package to win this competition, now I just have to be smart with my training, stay injury free until then and go out there and do it!! I still don't think some of the other guys think I'm a legitimate contender. I feel like I'm the dark horse of Strongman. There's always a reason or excuse minimizing my achievements, but I'm OK with that, this is the fuel that burns inside of me. Like I told Bill Kazmaier at the Mohegan Sun SS event and the Arnold Classic, I love to be the under dog. I love to compete in spite of adversity. While most of the guys invited will train from now till then with the competition in sight, I go about my daily duties, Strongman Training and competing being only a hobby for me. I do this not for the money, not for fame or fortune, but because I can. I've found something in life that is natural for me. I can’t think of living without lifting something heavy and pushing my body to the extreme. This is what makes me feel alive. I will feel more alive then ever come June 28th!!

Go to top