Siste writeup'en fra i dag;
Karl posted the results, so you all know the finals... it is a worry for me right now because Derek has injured his foot in the stones and can barely walk on it. He rolled his ankle while trying to load the last stone and immediately dropped the stone from the pain. Derek knew he had to get the last stone though, so he pushed through and got the stone up. Derek has learned a lot through this heat so far. We just hope he can push through for the final, because right now he can barely walk or put any pressure on his right foot.
Felix also suffered injury on the stones, his right bicep is injured I believe. He might have torn it on the 2nd stone and kept going. He was not able to load the last stone of 400 lbs though, and after a great performance throughout the heat, his journey ends. So sadness for Felix, but great happiness for the Bergmann family as they cried and rejoiced for Jason. Jason was able to did deep and put up all the stones perfectly in a great time of 22 seconds, best in the heat. Stephan Solvi put a time of 25 secs... Jarek and Igor did not load the last stone and each took 4th and 5th respectively.
Arild Haugen has the World Record now on the WSM stone set I believe. He managed about 16 seconds! It was an incredible run, and he made no mistake. Arild jumped onto the last stone platform at the end and flexed his biceps rejoicing that he made the finals and sending a message to his Viking friend Svend... as Svend did the same in 2001 after his win in the finals.
Mariusz put in a great time also, and ended Brian Shaw's hopes of getting into the finals. Mariusz always has an ice and compression pack on his right calf, and is tremendous in his ability to push through his pain and win. Reminds me of how Bill Kazmaier was able to continue on and dominate after ripping his pec. Mariusz is a true legend and fighter.
Terry Hollands ended Kevin Nee's final hopes by beating him at the stones, and Kevin's time. I was not able to watch this run, but I asked about it and apparently Terry just killed the event. Terry is looking strong and relaxed. He keeps smoking in between events which is the most interesting thing to see. I think Terry needs to get ahold of Marlboro and become the now Marlboro man or something.. haha he has the looks, and might as well get some free cigarettes or something..haha
Travis ran through the stones in about 22 sec winning his matchup with Magnus. He cheered Magnus on as Magnus rolled back and pulled up to load the last stone. It was a great moment to watch as the legend Magnus and Travis shook hands with support. Travis was very excited to get into the finals, and Mariusz was watching curiously and timing him. Mariusz clicked his stopwatch and walked off smirking after Travis loaded that last stone. Not sure what he was thinking, but the wheels were turning.
Dave Ostlunds beat Travis's time in the stones, so the stone battle between them rages on. Ostlund got his spot in the finals. Marku struggled with the stones a little but was not able to hang with Ostlund who had the dual motivation of getting into the finals, and also to beat Travis's time. Travis still seems happy to be in the finals even though his time was behind Dave's.. guess he knows that they can battle again in the finals...
Pfister did not even load one stone. He just sat on a stone and watched as Tobias loaded his. Pfister apologized to the confused WV crowd and explained that he needed to conserve energy for the finals and not risk injury.
That is all I know about, hopefully Derek can heal up within the next 2 days because the first 3 events are hard on the feet... Power Stairs, Fingal Fingers, and Yoke...
Everyone else seems to be in great shape, Mariusz is hurt but pushing through it seemingly with ease. I think this will be a very difficult finals... just look at the list and tell me who you think is gonna take 10th place... you can't do it.. all the athletes are top 5 athletes. So for sure this will be a major battle for everyone involved and the stress would break a normal man.
__________________
