Oleksii Novikov, the reigning World’s Strongest Man (WSM) champion, hoped to become a two-time champion at the 2023 WSM contest in Myrtle Beach, SC. However, he ultimately finished in third place, behind Mitchell Hooper and Tom Stoltman. Despite his disappointment, Novikov shared a 42-minute video on his YouTube channel on May 8, 2023, in which he reviewed his performance at the contest’s 11 events.
Novikov’s Circus Dumbbell Performance Affected by Elbow Injury
Novikov, the 2020 World’s Strongest Man champion, shared a 42-minute video on his YouTube channel on May 8, 2023, in which he recapped his performance at the 2023 WSM contest. In the video, he revealed that he had competed in the contest with an elbow injury sustained during training, although he did not specify the diagnosis. Novikov also discussed his surprising third-place finish in the Circus Dumbbell event, an overhead press event that he had traditionally dominated.
Novikov Reveals Injury in YouTube Recap of World’s Strongest Man Contest
Oleksii Novikov, the 2020 World’s Strongest Man champion, shared a 42-minute video on his YouTube channel on May 8, 2023, in which he reviewed his performance at the 2023 WSM contest. In the video, Novikov discussed his performance in each of the contest’s 11 events, including a third-place finish in the Circus Dumbbell event. Novikov revealed that he had competed in the contest with an elbow injury sustained during training, although he did not provide details about the diagnosis or severity of the injury.
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Novikov’s Elbow Injury May Have Impacted Performance in World’s Strongest Man Contest
Oleksii Novikov, the 2020 World’s Strongest Man champion, suffered an elbow injury while training for the 2023 WSM contest. In a video on his YouTube channel, Novikov revealed that he sustained the injury while performing the Circus Dumbbell with weights heavier than what he lifted in the contest. At the 2023 WSM, Novikov was only able to press 132.5 kilograms (291 pounds) overhead, which may have been impacted by the injury. Novikov initially believed the injury was a simple case of elbow pain, but it turned out to be more serious.
“In the last training session [before the WSM contest], I lifted 144 kilograms (317 pounds). At 148 kilograms (326 pounds), I didn’t get the lockout. And during all these processes, I got an injury which I didn’t pay much attention to. Just some elbow pain. I kept training and only then noticed this issue with my elbow.
The elbow lost its function at full extension and activating where it has to activate. And due to that, there were problems with the lockout. And that’s why locking out heavy weights became a problem for me … Don’t know whether I need a surgery or not, but I’ll certainly take care of my elbow,” he said.
Lockout Issues and Uncertain Diagnosis Cast Doubt on Novikov’s Future Competitions
Oleksii Novikov, the 2020 World’s Strongest Man champion, struggled with lockouts during the Circus Dumbbell event on the final day of the 2023 WSM contest, which he attributes to an elbow injury sustained during training. Novikov is uncertain whether he will require surgery for the injury, but he suggested that it is being considered. The former champion acknowledged that this issue and the result of the dumbbell event may have cost him the title in South Carolina. The uncertainty about his injury and recovery cast doubt on Novikov’s future competitions and ability to reclaim the title.
“My signature event became an Achilles heel for me. For me, that’s an upset for sure and it brought me down, mentally, a little.”
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Novikov Reflects on Mental Challenges and Criticism Ahead of World’s Strongest Man Contest
Oleksii Novikov, the 2020 World’s Strongest Man champion, acknowledged that his struggles during the 2023 WSM contest may have gone beyond physical problems. In a video on his YouTube channel, Novikov shared that he believes sports are as much mental as they are physical, and that he faced mental challenges leading up to the competition. Novikov also expressed concern about comments that he “win or not come back,” which he perceived as a form of encouragement but may have backfired. The former champion’s reflection highlights the importance of mental preparation and support for athletes in high-pressure competitions.
“You all want me to win, and I also want that. I guess not less than you, but it puts some kind of pressure on me that I start thinking that it’s super important, and I plan my performance the way like ‘either win or nothing.’ And when some kind of problem occurs, like with the [Reign Total Body Fuel Shield Carry event], it hurts me mentally, and, overall, it becomes hard to focus on the next events.”
Novikov Takes Time Off to Recover from Injuries and Rebuild Strength
Oleksii Novikov, the 2020 World’s Strongest Man champion, plans to take time off from competitions to recover from his recent injuries and allow his body to heal. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Novikov shared that he intends to take a break from competing to rebuild and refocus, regardless of whether he requires surgery for his elbow injury. The former champion suffered a lat injury earlier in the year leading up to the 2023 Europe’s Strongest Man contest, indicating the toll that intense training and competing can take on the body. While Novikov did not reveal his next competition or whether he will participate in another show in 2023, his decision to prioritize recovery and strength building highlights the importance of rest and rehabilitation in maintaining peak performance.
Overview
Oleksii Novikov, the 2020 World’s Strongest Man champion, suffered an elbow injury during training for the 2023 WSM contest, which may have impacted his performance and contributed to his third-place finish. Novikov revealed the injury and discussed his performance in a 42-minute video on his YouTube channel. He struggled with lockouts during the Circus Dumbbell event and is uncertain whether he will require surgery for the injury, which may affect his ability to reclaim the title in future competitions. Novikov also reflected on the importance of mental preparation and support for athletes in high-pressure competitions. The former champion plans to take time off to recover from his injuries and rebuild his strength.
Courtesy Image @ Todd Burandt & World’s Strongest Man (Instagram)
