Born on July 15, 1975, Žydrūnas Savickas hails from Biržai, Lithuania. His attraction to strength sports became apparent early, as he began powerlifting at 13. By age 17, he had won Lithuania’s National Powerlifting Championship, suggesting he was a rare and precious talent in strength athletics.
Žydrūnas Savickas: A Chronicle of Strongman Dominance
A name synonymous with power and victory in the domain of strongman competition has a saga of triumphs etched across the years. Each year of his career, he has not only committed to the sport but also evolved as one of the most formidable figures in strongman history.
2001–2008: Comeback and Ascendancy
In 2001, he faced what many considered a career-ending hurdle during a contest in the Faroe Islands, where he suffered tears in both patellar tendons. Defying the skeptics, he returned to win the Lithuanian Powerlifting Championships nine months post-injury, showcasing his unmatched resilience and dedication to strength sports.
Throughout the following years, he not only clinched victory at the Lithuanian’s Strongest Man contests repeatedly but also established his prowess on the global stage. Securing a second-place finish at the 2002 World’s Strongest Man in Malaysia marked the beginning of his consistent top-tier performances worldwide.
His six consecutive wins at the Arnold Strongman Classic from 2003 to 2008 underlined this period as one of his most dominant phases, coupled with prestigious titles such as the IFSA Strongman World Championships and European Championships. His record-breaking spree, including three world records in Quebec, Canada, in 2005, was only a prelude to the following dominance.
2009–2010: The Pinnacle of Strongman
He reached the zenith of his career by winning the 2009 World’s Strongest Man, overpowering defending champion and five-time winner Mariusz Pudzianowski after a 5-year hiatus from the event.
The 2010 World’s Strongest Man saw him retain his title, edging out Brian Shaw through a countback tie-breaker. Notably, he established a new benchmark by lifting a colossal 210 kg in the Giant Wooden Log Lift, solidifying his status as a keystone in the strongman realm.
2011: Continuing the Legacy
This year was marked by his Guinness World Record-setting performance in the Farmer’s Walk (20 meters in 7.55 seconds with 150 kg implements in each hand) and repeated victories in Strongman Champions League events. His unparalleled log lift record was further extended to 215 kg during the SCL Finals in Sarajevo.
Despite a stellar run at other events, he narrowly missed recapturing the WSM crown, attaining a second-place finish.
2012: Reclaiming the Crown
He reclaimed the crown of the World’s Strongest Man, fixing the record in the Log Lift at an unprecedented 220 kg. He won the Championship title of the Strongman Champions League season with a spectacular 11 wins out of 14. Additionally, he won his second Europe’s Strongest Man title, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
2013: Consistency at the Forefront
2013 saw him win the opening event of the Strongman Champions League in Germany, alongside setting another world record in the Log Lift at Europe’s Strongest Man. Despite these wins, he narrowly missed the top spot in the Strongman Champions League overall championships.
In a close contest, he finished second at the World’s Strongest Man behind Brian Shaw.
2014: Elevating the Bar
He shattered the world Log Lift record with a lift of 227 kg at Giants Live Poland. He also set the world record in the giant barbell squat event, squatting 329 kg for 15 reps at the WSM, crowning himself the oldest World’s Strongest Man at 38.
This same year, he won the title at the 2014 Arnold Strongman Classic, once again outperforming Brian Shaw.
2015: Building the Legacy
Another year of top placements, he finished second at the Arnold Strongman Classic and the World’s Strongest Man, showing the world a consistent pedigree of strength and tenacity.
He also won the World Log Lift Championship, proving his dominance in overhead strength events.
2016: The Test of Time
His eighth Arnold Strongman Classic victory illustrated his enduring presence in the sport. However, he faced a setback with a back injury that forced him to miss the World’s Strongest Man competition.
2017: A Comeback with Challenges
Backing his determination, he returned to the World’s Strongest Man competition despite past injuries. This year’s finals saw him place 9th, a result not reflective of his storied past but a testament to his unyielding spirit.
2018: Staying Competitive
He maintained a steady competition pace, placing 4th in Europe’s Strongest Man and 10th in the World’s Strongest Man. His performance throughout this year echoed the previous years’ by asserting his place among the elite, even as the years advanced.
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Record-breaking Powerlifter
In the grand amphitheater of heavyweight sports, powerlifting holds a distinguished position. Žydrūnas Savickas, a powerhouse in this realm, made this stage his canvas and the weights, his brushes through which he crafted legendary tales of superior strength.
Forging of a Powerlifting Prodigy: An Unrivalled Squat Record
It was in 2011, during the International Powerlifting Federation’s World Championship, that he set an unparalleled feat by squatting a staggering 425.5 kg.
This number is not merely an indication of physical might – it’s equivalent to carrying a grand piano or a giant Siberian tiger. Yet, the Lithuanian titan managed to lift such a weight by sheer brute force and unyielding determination.
Even as the sand continues to flow through the hourglass, marking the passage of years, this particular record holds firm. No one in the world of powerlifting since 2011 has managed to surpass his extraordinary achievement. It’s his testament to the sport and a token of his indomitable strength, a legend in the annals of powerlifting history forever.
Mastering the Deadlift: Setting a High Bar
For most powerlifters, the deadlift is the final and ultimate test of overall strength, engaging multiple muscle groups in a symphony of sheer force and strength. For Savickas, this was another arena to exhibit his unyielding prowess to the world.
In 2005, taking on the challenge of lifting the heaviest loads from the ground, he succeeded in deadlifting a colossal 409 kg, setting new standards in the sport.
This achievement of superior strength maintained its grasp over the record books until 2014, demonstrating his superiority on the platform for almost a decade. Although eventually dethroned, his outstanding contribution to this elemental lift was indelible.
The Monumental Accomplishments: Achievements and Highlights
Let’s take a further look into these very achievements that have earned him memorable respect within the strongman community and beyond.
Quadruple World’s Strongest Man Conqueror
- Initial Crowning and Defining Victory
- He first claimed the vaunted title of ‘World’s Strongest Man’ 2009. This initial victory was a riveting showdown of strength, willingness, and strategy, establishing him as an apex athlete in the field.
- Subsequent World Title Successes
- His reign would not just be a fleeting moment but a dynastic sequence of triumphs, as he garnered the title three more times (2010, 2012, and 2014). Through these victories, he underlined his enduring supremacy.
- Sustained Dominance Amidst Stiff Competition
- Consistently prevailing over the fiercest competitors, he has displayed not just the brute force but also the mental fortitude necessary to be deemed the strongest man on the planet multiple times.
Eight-time Arnold Strongman Classic Titleholder
- Inaugural and Breaking Ground
- He has the honor of being crowned the champion at the Arnold Strongman Classic, a competition named after the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger, eight impressive times, an unmatched accomplishment.
- Securing Victory Across Varied Disciplines
- Each victory at this premier event required him to master various brute strength challenges, ranging from deadlifts to Timbersports, all of which he executed with exceptional aptitude.
- A Record that Echoes Through Time
- His record at the Arnold Strongman Classic is not just a testament to his skill but speaks volumes of his evolution as an athlete, capable of adopting new techniques and strategies to maintain his ranking at the top.
Thrice Crowned as Europe’s Strongest Man
- Dominance in Continental Showdowns
- Not content with global dominance, he has also focused his remarkable talents closer to home, securing the title of ‘Europe’s Strongest Man’ thrice, confirming his elite status among his continental peers.
- Variety of Challenges Faced and Overcome
- These titles were not handed to him but were earned through a multitude of grueling events that tested every ounce of his strength, resilience, and willpower, from carrying cars to hurling kegs.
- Commanding Respect in Europe
- His prowess in achieving this title multiple times has made him not just a strongman but also a symbol of sheer power and determination that has inspired countless up-and-coming European lifters.
A Legacy of Varied and Versatile Victories
The impressive list of his accolades does not merely chart his victories but also the versatility of his skill set. His career is a testament to the fact that strongman sports are not just about the muscles one can flex but also about the strategy, ingenuity, and adaptability an athlete brings.
- A Mastery over Diverse Events
- Each competition presents a unique set of challenges, from hauling massive weights to displaying extraordinary endurance levels. His mastery over all these diverse facets of the sport ranks him among the elite.
- Setting Records Alongside Gaining Titles
- Not only has he accumulated titles, but he has also left an indelible mark on the sport by setting world records in log lift, deadlift, and squat – feats that have immortalized his name in the stronghold of strength sports.
- Influence and Inspiration Beyond Competitions
- Beyond his physical accomplishments, his legacy extends to inspiring the next generation of strongmen, advocating the importance of mental toughness, and embodying the spirit of never yielding to the seemingly impossible forces before him.
Every title and every competition he conquered added a resounding chapter to his story, echoing the undying legacy of a man whose name became synonymous with strength.
The Framework of Strength: A Peek into Savickas’s Nutrition and Workout Regimen
Behind every titanic feat of strength that Savickas accomplished is an unseen yet rigorously followed regimen of nutrition and workout. From carefully calibrated meals to strategically planned exercise routines, his commitment to maintaining his physical capabilities and prowess was unwavering. The discipline required to persistently adhere to such a demanding lifestyle is as monumental as the feats he achieved in his strongman career.
Building Strength from the Plate: Nutrition Choices
- A Calorie Heavy Diet
- Essential to his ability to sustain strenuous workouts and recover rapidly was a diet plan defined by substantial calorie intake, with the count frequently reaching 6000 per day. This infusion of energy fueled his body, providing him with the capacity to push against the literal and metaphorical weights of his sporting endeavors.
- Prioritizing Proteins and Carbohydrates
- Balancing his nutritional needs, he focused on proteins and carbohydrates. Proteins were crucial in repairing and growing his muscle tissue, while carbohydrates provided the immediate energy needed for his intense workouts.
- Disciplined Dietary Habits
- Despite the food necessary to support his training regimen, he adhered to a structured plan. This discipline in nutrition ensured that every calorie ingested served a purpose in building his strength and stamina.
Crafting Might in the Gym: Savickas’s Workout Regime
- Dedicated Workout Schedule
- Each week, he spent 4-5 days training, dedicating each day to a different set of muscle groups. This meticulous organization allowed for comprehensive and balanced overall muscle development.
- Specialized Training
- His training was not merely generic weightlifting but specialized in carrying, lifting, and pulling the immense loads featured in strongman competitions.
- Strategic Approach
- His strategic approach ensured that the strength he cultivated was functional, enabling him to lift not just heavy barbells in the gym but also colossal stones, enormous tire flips, and truck pulls during competitions.
The Maintenance of Enduring Physical Capabilities
- Achieving Consistency
- The most indispensable aspect of his career was his ability to maintain peak performance levels across many years of active competition. This consistency can largely be attributed to his unswerving commitment to his stringent nutritional and workout regimes.
- Beyond Physical Training
- His consistent high-level performance also underscores the importance of other vital factors, such as adequate rest, mental conditioning, and intrinsic motivation, in any athlete’s longevity and success.
- A Symbol of Professional Discipline
- His dedication to maintaining his physical form was not just a necessary part of his athletic success but a reflection of his professional discipline, inspiring other athletes across the globe.
His nutrition and workout regimen provides a glimpse into the routine that was instrumental in propelling him to the top of the sport, demonstrating that it requires a balance of both the right nutrients and practical physical training to build a strongman capable of reshaping the limits of human strength.
Zydrunas Savickas – Steroid Cycle
This section is informed by insights into the use of steroid cycles in professional bodybuilding and their application by the individual.
Off-Season Bulking Phase
- Testosterone Enanthate: 600mg per week. As a base for the cycle, it supports overall mass gain and strength improvement.
- Nandrolone Decanoate (Deca Durabolin): 400mg per week. It is used for its ability to improve recovery and joint health, which is crucial for a strongman’s training regimen.
- Dianabol (Methandrostenolone): 50mg daily. Known for its rapid mass and strength gains, it is suitable for the bulking phase.
- Human Growth Hormone (HGH): 4IU daily. To support tissue repair, recovery, and overall systemic growth.
- Arimidex (Anastrozole): 0.5mg every other day. An aromatase inhibitor to manage estrogen levels and avoid water retention and gynecomastia.
Pre-Competition Strength Phase
- Trenbolone Enanthate: 400mg per week. It is known for its strong anabolic properties and ability to increase strength without water retention.
- Testosterone Propionate: 200mg per week. A fast-acting testosterone to maintain physiological levels with less water retention.
- Anavar (Oxandrolone): 40mg daily. It is used for its ability to increase strength and vascularity without significant weight gain.
- Winstrol (Stanozolol): 50mg daily. It adds to strength and improves muscle hardness, which can help in the final weeks before the competition.
- Exemestane (Aromasin): 25mg daily. As a more potent aromatase inhibitor, it helps ensure minimal estrogenic effects during the cutting phase.
- HGH: Continued at 4IU daily for recovery and lean mass maintenance.
Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT)
- Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate): 100mg daily for the first 2 weeks, then 50mg daily for the next 2 weeks. It helps in restoring natural testosterone production.
- Nolvadex (Tamoxifen): 40mg daily for the first 2 weeks, then 20mg daily for the next 2 weeks. A selective estrogen receptor modulator to help bring hormone levels back to baseline.
The Political Strength of a Strongman: Savickas’s Civic Journey
His endeavors have also extended into the sphere where mental fortitude, diplomacy, and a deep understanding of civic duty come into play in politics. The same tenacity that propelled him to the pinnacle of strongman competitions has been channeled into his efforts to affect positive change within his local community through political engagement.
Transition from Athletic Giant to Public Servant
- A New Arena of Competition
- After establishing himself as a colossus in the iron game, he tackled the complex and often tumultuous world of politics, bringing a winner’s mindset and a commitment to serve.
- Embracing Political Colors
- Aligning himself with the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, he found common ground with their policies and philosophies, which mirrored his beliefs about community development and collaboration.
Electoral Success and Public Representation
- Election and Public Mandate
- His first attempt at electoral politics was successful; he won a position in the municipal council of Biržai, his hometown, by using his celebrity status and a track record of commitment and hard work.
- Taking on the Mantle of Political Responsibility
- He approached this new role with characteristic determination, aiming to give back to the community that had supported him throughout his strongman career.
Initiatives and Contributions in Political Office
- Advocacy for Health and Fitness
- True to his roots in sports, he placed significant emphasis on promoting health and fitness, advocating for better sports facilities and programs to foster a healthier, more active populace.
- Championing Social Welfare
- Realizing the power of his voice in the political arena, he also became a proponent of social welfare initiatives, directing his efforts to improve the quality of life for his constituents.
- Connecting with the Community
- His tenure was not one of seclusion but of engagement, where he actively sought to understand and represent the concerns and aspirations of the people of Biržai.
The Impact of Strength on Political Grounds
- Catalyst for Change
- Harnessing the fame and respect he gained in the world of competitive strongmen, he became a catalyst for change, inspiring belief in the ability to overcome challenges, both personal and communal.
- Representation Beyond the Sport
- His journey into the political sphere has served as an example of how the dedication and strategic thinking found in sports can be applied to serve the public good.
- Shaping a Legacy Beyond Strength Sports
- While his legacy in strength sports is firmly cemented, his political career has contributed to a multifaceted legacy where leadership and commitment transcend the bounds of athletic pursuit.
Through his political contributions, he has demonstrated a robust drive to not only uplift himself but also to elevate the community around him. His graceful transition from a world champion in strongman events to a determined figure in the political landscape illustrates the diverse nature of his strength.
Savickas: The Legend Lives On
Ultimately, Žydrūnas Savickas’s career in strength sports represents the pinnacle of athletic achievement. Despite stepping back from professional competition, his legacy inspires athletes worldwide. His longevity and ability to maintain top-tier performance should be an example for aspiring strongmen and women globally. With a life dedicated to strength, Savickas embodies the spirit of the Strongman sport.
