Pole crowned world's strongest man

Radzikowski: photo - Artur Andrzej

Krzysztof Radzikowski saw off 24 rivals in the three-day contest, following in the footsteps of his coach, Krzysztof Pudzianowski, himself a former winner of the international showdown.

This week's victor told Dubai-based daily Gulf News that the recipe for success is not necessarily in being a fussy eater.

"I eat everything and anything, I love burgers and cola," he quipped.

However, the winner did have some words of advice for aspiring Hercules'.

"You want to be strong? No disco, no alcohol, no party — only gym," he advised.

Challenges in the contest included pulling lorries, log lifts, tyre flips, and the so-called 'farmer's walk.'

The latter involves walking around a circuit carrying 160-kg weights in each hand.

Besides the glory of being crowned World's Strongest Man, Radzikowski also walks away with a prize of 6000 dollars (19,500 zloty).

When not competing for titles, the 30-year-old Pole teaches sport at a secondary school in Lodz, central Poland.

Besides burgers, he has a soft spot for driving motorbikes, and his pride and joy is a 186-mph Suzuki Hayabusa.

"I like fast bicycles," he said. (nh/pg)