An interview with Pro Strongman Jon Andersen. Jon has made quite an impression during his first year as a Pro Strongman. He consistently places well and is known as the dominator of pressing events! Jon's Pro Strongman career has only just begun. Look for him to return to the scene in 2004 with a vengence.


Jon at Pro Nationals winning the overhead axel press. Jon got 10 reps with 285 lbs on the non-revolving 2" axel.
He was the only competitor who did a full clean each rep (no continental).
 
Photo credit Jon Andersen



 NW Strongman: What were your thoughts about nationals? Did you feel you had a good day? Events you were proud of / events you want to work on for next year?

It was a great experience especially for my forth contest. The finals had the largest crowd that I have ever competed in front of and the venue was extremely nice. My performance was inconsistent but what can you expect when I had never done four of the events prior to the contest. But overall I was pleased with the events that I was familiar with. I was happy with my effort on the axle press and the squat. As for next year I am very focused on improving my grip strength. I have just closed the number three Captains of Crush gripper.


NW Strongman: Tell us about St. Martin. From what little we've heard, it sounded like a different kind of contest event wise. What did you think about it? How was it competing in the tropics? Sounds like fun!

The All Nations Strength Challenge was a team based competition. All events required at least three team members working together such as three man log lift for max and four man car dead lift hold for time. The contest was three days of competition, seven events a day. It was a great experience and competition. We were there eight days, five of which we did not compete, so it was like a free vacation. As far as competing in the heat, it took some adjusting as it was quite humid.


NW Strongman: Did anyone on the other teams especially impress you? How about on the US team?

Vasyl Virastyuk, the big Ukrainian, was quite impressive. Big, powerful and extremely explosive. I felt the US team performed well but it was Chad Coy who kept us all together. From organizing the team to giving me wake up calls and giving one hundred percent all three days of competition.


NW Strongman: Are the traveling / time zone changes for competing hard on you, or do you just go with the flow?

On this trip we arrived forty eight hours before our first day of competition so the time change was not hard on me. However, ten hours on an airplane is not what I call fun.


NW Strongman: Best memories from the trip?

Good food, accommodation, and competition.


NW Strongman: Most memorable moment from 2003, in training or competing?

In training, squatting 500 lbs for twenty five reps, Squatting 405 lbs for 40 reps, front squatting 405 for twenty reps, push pressing 275 lbs for eighteen reps, log pressing 300 lbs for twelve reps. In competition Turning pro was a high point as well as setting a NASS record 500lb deadlift from the floor for 21 reps. Winning all overhead events as a pro has been nice also.


NW Strongman: Plans for 2004?

Get to the BIG SHOW - WSM.


NW Strongman: Anything else you'd like to add?

I would like to thank everyone who has been behind me throughout the past year.








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