Jean-François Caron, also known as JF Caron, is a modern strongman with a remarkable track record of success. With an impressive resume under his belt, the 40-year-old veteran is gearing up for a potential return to the sport later this year.
Caron Announces His Return in a YouTube Interview
In an interview with Laurence Shahlaei on April 6, 2023, Caron shared his plans to attempt a strongman comeback in late 2023. The nine-time Canada’s Strongest Man champion from 2011 to 2019 was forced to step back from the sport after suffering two torn patellar tendons during the 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic. After a period of rest and recovery, Caron stated that he has resumed his training and is determined to get back into form.
Caron’s Recovery and Training Progress
JF Caron Rebuilds Strength After Injuries
Following two torn patellar tendons, Caron lost 60 pounds of body weight while recovering from his injuries. Despite the setback, the nine-time Canada’s Strongest Man champion seems to be making progress in his training to make a comeback. Caron’s recent demonstrations of power include 400-kilogram deadlifts and 270-kilogram back squats for reps.
A Long Road Ahead for Caron
Caron’s return to professional strongman competitions may still be some time away, as he still has a long way to go before performing the necessary movements at a competitive level. However, Caron appears to be committed to rebuilding his strength and training for a potential comeback.
“The power is there. It’s just not fluid like before,” Caron said. “… Changing directions … I’m not safe like before. Explosive movements will take more time.”
Caron Plans to Train with Gabriel Rhéaume after WSM
After making the announcement of his comeback in the strongman world, Caron has declared his intention to work on event-focused training with Gabriel Rhéaume, the 2021 Canada’s Strongest Man (CSM) champion. This partnership will begin after Caron returns from the 2023 World’s Strongest Man (WSM), which will be held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina from April 19 to April 23. At this point, Caron has not disclosed any specific training schedule for his comeback.
Caron’s Impressive Resume in Strongman
Jean-François Caron, aka JF Caron, has a long-standing history of impressive accomplishments in the world of strongman competitions. With over 80 competitions under his belt, he has clinched almost 20 victories, including his nine-time Canada’s Strongest Man title reign and a recent win in the 2022 Forca Bruta. Caron had competed in 11 out of 13 World’s Strongest Man contests since 2008 (excluding 2009-2010) and had consistently placed among the top 6 in seven consecutive editions from 2015 to 2021, before being forced to take a break due to his injuries.
View this post on Instagram
Strongman JF Caron Aims for Comeback, Eyeing Late 2023 Competitions
Jean-François Caron, the nine-time Canada’s Strongest Man champion and veteran of over 80 competitions, is aiming to make a strongman comeback after two torn patellar tendons in the 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC) put his career in jeopardy. Caron is currently recovering and rebuilding his strength, but it is still uncertain when he will be ready to compete again.
However, Caron has set his sights on competing in the 2023 Magnus ver Magnusson Classic, which typically occurs in late November in Iceland. He also plans to work on event-focused training with 2021 CSM winner Gabriel Rhéaume upon his return from the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Despite the challenges ahead, Caron remains committed to his comeback, with a goal to be ready to compete by October. Although he has not confirmed whether he will participate in the 2023 Rogue Invitational, the strongman fixture is sure to be welcomed back to the sport with open arms, by fans and peers alike, after his impressive career and the devastating injury that threatened to end it.
Overview
JF Caron, a nine-time Canada’s Strongest Man champion and veteran of over 80 competitions, is aiming for a strongman comeback after recovering from two torn patellar tendons. He plans to work on event-focused training with 2021 CSM winner Gabriel Rhéaume and hopes to compete in the 2023 Magnus ver Magnusson Classic. Although his return date is uncertain, Caron remains committed to rebuilding his strength and returning to professional strongman competitions.
Courtesy Image @jfcaronstrongman (Instagram)
Courtesy Streaming @ Big Loz Official (Youtube)
