Fatehmi from Iran, the First Asian Participant in the World's Strongest Man Competitions

Mahraab Fatehmi, the strongest man in Iran for the past five years, is set to depart for Finland tomorrow morning to become the first Asian to participate in the World's Strongest Man competitions. In an interview with the Iranian Sports News Agency (IPNA), he expressed his happiness at representing Iran and Asia in this historic event, stating, "I am very pleased that for the first time in the history of these competitions, someone from Iran and representing Asia will be present, and I assure you that I will spare no effort to bring honor and defend the position of my country's sports." He continued, "The World's Strongest Man competitions are held annually in a European country, and this year, 13 of the strongest men from around the world, mostly from America, are participating, all of whom have ample experience in this field. Since the likelihood of my participation became certain, I have started very intense and heavy training, and I am currently mentally prepared to compete in this arena." Fatehmi discussed his training and selection as Iran's representative, stating, "Due to discussions between the weightlifting federation officials and the international federation, and considering that our athletes have achieved many honors in powerlifting and pressing, it was decided that one person from Iran would represent Asia in these competitions. About 60 people registered for testing, and in the end, I was selected as the national representative among myself, my brother Hossein Fatehmi, and Mohsen Gerati. I have been training for about a month in a dedicated camp under the supervision of my hardworking powerlifting coach, Khodnegaar, and I believe I have reached about 80% of the necessary readiness." He emphasized the high level of the World's Strongest Man competitions and the challenges involved, stating, "The competitions have a very high qualitative level, and they have chosen the heaviest stages for it. Based on what I have heard and the videos I have seen, I will have to complete seven stages including pulling a 16-ton truck, lifting balls weighing 100-120-140-160-180 kg, spinning a stone mill weighing about 400 kg, lifting a 120 kg log overhead, lifting the back of a car weighing about 350 kg, lifting one side of a car and holding it up, and throwing a 100 kg stone against a 2.5-meter wall, which I have already competed at a somewhat lower level in Iran." In conclusion, Mahraab Fatehmi stated, "The three-member Iranian team, including myself as the participant, Khodnegaar as the coach, and Zare as the technical staff and supervisor, will leave Iran for Finland tomorrow morning. The competitions will be held for two days starting from Saturday, August 26, and I ask my fellow countrymen to pray for my success."