The Strongman season is in full swing, with several prestigious competitions taking place just weeks apart. Europe’s biggest Strongman event, the 2023 Europe’s Strongest Man, is set to kick off on April 1, 2023, at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England. The lineup of athletes was announced months ago, but there have been some unexpected changes. One of the biggest names on the list, Pavlo Nakonechnyy of Ukraine, has pulled out of the competition.
Nakonechnyy is a young and promising athlete with an impressive physique, earning him the nickname “Wide Pavlo.” He was expected to cause a stir at the 2023 Europe’s Strongest Man, but his plans were cut short by an injury sustained during the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic’s Max Deadlift event. Despite his extensive preparation for the event, Nakonechnyy suffered a knee injury that has now affected his ability to compete in other upcoming competitions.
The injury is a significant setback for Nakonechnyy, who has been making a name for himself in the Strongman world. He recently finished in the top 10 at the Arnold Strongman Classic, which is considered one of the most prestigious competitions in the sport. Nakonechnyy’s withdrawal from the 2023 Europe’s Strongest Man will undoubtedly disappoint fans who were hoping to see him compete against some of the world’s best Strongmen.
View this post on Instagram
While the details of Pavlo Nakonechnyy’s injury remain undisclosed, the Ukrainian Strongman has been spotted running around the gym on his Instagram story, suggesting that his withdrawal from the 2023 Europe’s Strongest Man competition is merely a precautionary measure to avoid aggravating his condition. Despite missing the event, Pavlo still plans to compete in the 2023 World’s Strongest Man, scheduled to take place in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, from April 19-23.
Nakonechnyy burst onto the International Strongman scene in 2019 and has since made seven appearances, including a remarkable victory at the 2022 Giants Live World Open. Although he has yet to participate in the World’s Strongest Man contest, his impressive performances in recent years have established him as a rising star in the Strongman community.
Paul Smith announced as replacement for Pavlo Nakonechnyy at 2023 Europe’s Strongest Man
Giants Live wasted no time in announcing a replacement for Pavlo Nakonechnyy after he withdrew from the 2023 Europe’s Strongest Man competition due to an injury sustained during the recent 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic. The organization confirmed that Paul Smith would be stepping in as a last-minute addition to the roster of 13 other athletes. Smith, who hails from England, seems like the perfect fit given that the event is set to take place in Leeds, and he won’t have to travel far to participate.
In addition to revealing Paul Smith’s participation, Giants Live also announced the identity of the 14th and final athlete in the competition. Shane Flowers, a rising star in the Strongman scene, will be joining the ranks of Europe’s greatest athletes and is sure to bring his A-game. With less than two weeks left until the event, Flowers will undoubtedly be putting in the work to ensure he can hold his own against some of the strongest men in the world.
View this post on Instagram
While some fans may be disappointed that Pavlo Nakonechnyy won’t be competing in the Europe’s Strongest Man competition, his decision to withdraw may ultimately prove to be a smart move. Nakonechnyy is determined to make history at the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition, which is set to take place in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, just a few weeks after the Europe’s Strongest Man event. To achieve his goals, the Ukrainian Strongman will need to focus on his injury and ensure he’s fully prepared to compete at the highest level.
Courtesy Image @giantslivestrongman (Instagram)
Courtesy Image @paul_smith_94 (Instagram)
