Stefan Solvi Petursson – Icelandic Strongman
In my previous conversations with Sigfus Fossdal, Icelandic Powerlifting Giant, he spoke highly of a fellow Strongman and Icelander Stefan Solvi Petursson. After doing a bit of online research on this guy I could see that he is big name
in the world of strongman, finishing 4th in the Worlds Strongest Man WSM competition in 2010. Whats even more impressive is that he is still only 25 years old !! Anyway lets get on with the interview…
PB: How did you get into the sport of Strongman? How old were you?
SSP: We could say that I got into strongman when I was 4 years old and saw an exhibition with Jón Páll. I started training strongman in january 2006. But I trained powerlifting two years before to build up a base strength.
PB: I have read that you have two idols, Jon Pall Sigmarsson and Zydrunas Savickas?
Firstly what does Jon Pall Sigmarrson mean to you?
SSP: He was awesome. An Icelandic hero. I wanted to do things like him.
The Big Z, how does he inspire you?
SSP: He inspires me with his great strength.
PB: In Worlds Strongest Man, do the competitors help each other with suggestions on technique, for example?
SSP: Everybody helps each other. I have gotten great help from Brian Shaw, Zydrunas and Terry Holland and I‘ve trained with them for contests.
PB: What do you love most about the sport of Strongman?
SSP: Its the decathlon for the big strong guys. Its all about finding the strongest athlete in the world. Many things can be thrown at you. You have to be very well rounded as an athlete.
PB: In this years 2011 WSM, you slipped from 4th place in 2010 to 9th place, what do you put this down to? Was the standard of the competitors higher in 2011, or did you not perform to the standards you expected?
SSP: Well I don‘t like to make excuses. 2011 was not my best year. In April I tore my pectoral muscle and had to have an operation so I missed some training time. I learned alot this year and actually more than in 2010. So I should benefit with this experience in preparation for the 2012 season.
PB: Can you name 3 things which went really well for you in this years 2011 WSM? And can you name 3 things which you were unhappy with?
SSP: No not really. 2011 is done in my mind.
PB: What do you think you need to do between this year and next in order to place within the top 3 or even win the WSM?
SSP: Train harder and eat more and better food.
PB: If you could have a dinner with 5 other people living or dead who would they be and why?
SSP: Jón Páll, Mohammad Ali, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Egill Skallagrímsson and Grettir Ásmundarson. Would probably make interesting conversations.
PB: What would be your words of advice to young aspiring strongmen?
SSP: Have fun, train very hard and eat alot of good food. Take care of yourself.
PB: On that note, have you suffered any major injuries?
SSP: Tore my left bicep and right pec.
PB: What was the lowest point of your strongman career, and what was the highest point?
SSP: No low point. I don‘t think like that. All my career is the high point. I‘m having so much fun. I‘m living my dream, this is my passion.
PB: For the size of the country Iceland produces many world class strongmen/powerlifters, why is this so?
SSP: Because Vikings are superior in strength, beauty and awesomeness. 🙂
PB: Why we are talking about Iceland could you explain to everyone how you get your surname, in your country?
SSP: I‘m Pétursson, which means son of Pétur. My son would be Stefánsson.
PB: My Bench Press is currently stuck at 140Kg for 1 rep, what would you recommend I do, in order to take it up to 200kg for 1 rep?
SSP: There are many ways to Rome. You can try start doing 140kg for reps and hitting bigger numbers for a 1 reps max. Then work up to repping that weight and so on. There are no secrets just hard work. And if you are willing to put in the work that it takes then you will one day bench 200kg. You can also sign up for my online training program and let me coach you. Click here for Stefan’s Online Strength Coaching .
PB: What do you have for breakfast?
SSP: Big protein shake and eggs a little later.
PB: How much protein do you consume each day, in grams?
SSP: About 500g.
PB: Any last thoughts or sponsors you would like to thank?
Check out my website www.stefansolvi.com if you are interested in taking your training to the next level with online training. Click here for Stefan’s Online Strength Coaching .
