Jon at the 2003 Azalea Fest, earning his pro card

Jon at his first pro show in Las Vegas

Interview with Jon - October 2003

Name: Jon Andersen


Height:   6'    (183 cm)


Weight:   285-295 lbs    (130-134 kg)


Date of Birth:   1-8-72


Occupation:  I own a painting contracting company.


NW Strongman: Sports you compete in -

Previously:  Football, Wrestling, Rugby, and was a non-competitive bodybuilder for many years.

Currently:  Strongman


NW Strongman: Hobbies other than weight training:

My life has two channels: work and train.


NW Strongman: How did you become interested in Strongman?

I had always watched strongman on TV and thought it looked not only challenging but fun. Then one of my friends, also a training partner from years past told me to give it a shot.  At the time I was not interested, but the thought stayed with me.


NW Strongman: When was your first competition?

September 2002, the New Mexico State Championship.   I won the overall heavyweight division.


NW Strongman: Tell us about your training.   Do you train alone or with partners?   Are you able to train the events year-round?   If so, how?

I currently have a partner in the gym and another one for events. Training outside year around is no problem in california so we take full advantage.


NW Strongman: Favorite Strongman event:

I like them all.  The heavier the better.


NW Strongman: Strongman you most look up to:

I admire all the true champions in the sport.


NW Strongman: During an event, what goes through your mind?   What do you do to motivate yourself?

I am a very self motivated/competetive person so my main concern is to stay relaxed until my name called, at which point I get set in the event and explode.


NW Strongman: What is a normal week like for you, with regard to training?

On a weekly basis I train two days in the gym, two days on events and one day is an agility type workout.  I mix in two cardio workouts as well. .