On August 11, 2022, the organizing body of the Shaw Classic announced over Instagram that two-time defending World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Tom Stoltman would withdraw from this year’s edition of the contest. With the competition right around the corner on August 13-14, 2022, there will not be a replacement for Stoltman’s roster spot.
In a video on his YouTube channel, Stoltman later revealed the reason behind his withdrawal. In a mix-up, the flight plans for his wife, Sinead, were incorrect when they checked their final arrangements to travel to Colorado. Without a resolution, Stoltman would not travel to the United States without his partner.
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“I didn’t want to fly over without Sinead. I couldn’t just leave Sinead at the airport,” Stoltman clarified. “My first instinct was to make sure Sinead was alright and get her sorted. I would then think of myself second.”
Stoltman and his older brother and fellow strongman competitor, Luke, were initially supposed to fly together with their wives to the competition. That plan was scrapped as Luke and his partner went to Colorado alone.
Tom noted before making his final decision to withdraw, he had a conversation with the Shaw Classic organizer, Brian Shaw. Then, Stoltman reflected that he needed his wife alongside him to compete and made the concession.
“The situation by that point was just too much for me,” Stoltman said. “I think the best interest for me now is to just pass this competition.”
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At the time of this writing, here is the final roster for the 2022 Shaw Classic. It will only feature 15 athletes after Stoltman’s departure.
2022 Shaw Classic Roster
- Trey Mitchell — Defending Champion
- Brian Shaw — 2021 Runner-up
- Mitchell Hooper
- Žydrūnas Savickas
- Luke Stoltman
- Oleksii Novikov
- Evan Singleton
- Gabriel Rheaume
- Aivars Smaukstelis
- Bobby Thompson
- Maxime Boudreault
- Konstantine Janashia
- Gabriel Peña
- Kevin Faires
- Jerry Pritchett
2022 Shaw Classic Events
At the time of this article’s publication, here is the confirmed schedule of events for the 2022 Shaw Classic:
Day One — Saturday, August 13, 2022
- Max Hummer Tire Deadlift
- Super Yoke Event
- Circus Dumbbell
- Throwing Event (Bag or Keg)
Day Two — Sunday, August 14, 2022
- Log Press
- Frame Carry Arm-Over-Arm Medley
- Car Leg Press for Reps
- Atlas Stones
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Even with the younger Stoltman’s withdrawal, this year’s contest should be a fascinating battle. It still features multiple WSM winners like Shaw (2011, 2013, 2015-2016), Žydrūnas Savickas (2009-2010, 2012, 2014) and Oleksii Novikov (2020).
There are also a few notable rising stars like Mitchell Hooper and defending Shaw Classic champion Trey Mitchell. All around, the remaining field could push each other in an exciting back-and-forth.
The 2022 Shaw Classic will take place on August 13-14 in Loveland, CO.
Featured image: @theshawclassic