Across the globe, there are some amazing individuals who push the limits of what is physically possible. From hulking strongmen to bodybuilders in incredible shape, the human body is pushed to its limits at events such as Mr. Olympia, Mr. Universe and the World’s Strongest Man.
By looking at these events and the men who compete in them, we can discover just what it takes to be the best – from the greatest feats to the average stats. Research supplied by MaxiNutrition.
The winners of Mr. Olympia are ranked by the number of times they’ve won the ‘overall’ category – showing just how dominant they are in their respective weight class. Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman are tied at the top spot, having won the competition eight times apiece.
Across the rankings for the overall winners of Mr Olympia, we get some interesting insights into what it takes to be the best…
1. Average age when first winning: 31 years of age
2. Most common country of origin: USA (seven winners)
3. Average contest weight: 105kg
4. Average height of winner: 5ft 9
The youngest Mr. Olympia winner was Arnold Schwarzenegger at 23. The oldest was Chris Dickerson at 43!
The tallest was Arnold Schwarzenegger at 6ft 2 and the shortest was Franco Columbu at 5ft 5.
The heaviest contest weight of a competitor was Ronnie Coleman at 136kg and the lightest was Frank Zane at 84kg.
The USA undoubtedly breeds the most shredded men, with seven winners who have repeatedly won the contest. Second place is tied by Austria (Arnold Schwarzenegger – two wins) and Italy (Franco Columbu – two wins).
Chris Dickerson.
The World’s Strongest Man is a mixed event strongman competition. Across its many winners, there have been a huge variety in body shape and size. One thing is certain: they’re all big, strong men who are capable of immense feats.
However, by looking at the overall champion of the contests, we can see some average stats that are staggering…
1. Most common country of origin: USA (five winners) – Followed by UK (three winners)
2. Average age when first winning: 30
3. Average weight: 150.5kg
4. Average height: 6ft 3
The youngest ever winner of the World’s Strongest Man was Jón Páll Sigmarsson, who took 1st place aged just 24. The oldest was Ted van der Parre who took the title at 37.
The tallest was Ted van der Parre at 6ft 9 and the shortest was Gary Taylor at 6ft.
The heaviest was Brian Shaw at 195kg (who is also the second tallest out of the group!) and the lightest was Jouko Ahola, who weighed 125kg.
Despite the country of origin stated above, the actual tally of medals (due to repeat winners) means that the actual championships by country sits at:
1. USA – 11 golds
2. Iceland – eight golds
3. Poland – five golds
By establishing the men at the peak of their strength sports, we can compare the average physiques of both:
1. The average strongman wins their first World’s Strongest Man a year earlier than the Mr. Olympia winner takes their first prize. (30 years of age vs 31).
2. The World’s Strongest Man is 45.5kg heavier than Mr. Olympia, or 143%.
3. The World’s Strongest Man is also six inches taller than Mr. Olympia.
4. Both competitions have had the USA produce the most amount of winners.
Data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that the average UK male weighs 83.6kg and is 5 ft 9. How does that shape up to our champions?
1. Olympia’s champion is 21.4kg heavier than the UK’s average man.
2. The World’s Strongest Man is 66.9kg heavier – that’s the same as many fully-grown adults!
3. The UK’s average man is as tall as the average Mr. Olympia, but the average World’s Strongest Man is six inches taller.
4. The average age of men in the UK is 38 years old – meaning he had his best shot at winning Mr. Olympia seven years ago and the World’s Strongest Man eight years ago!
