Phil Pfister, World’s Strongest Man, appeared on The Late Show With David Letterman
This Thursday, firefighter and 2006 World’s Strongest Man, Phil Pfister, 35, appeared on The Late Show With David Letterman. Phil got to show his strength by flipping a car in front of Letterman’s studio. Phil is the first American to win this competition since Bill Kazmaier in 1982, ending a 24 year drought:
“Bill Kazmaier, a Wisconsin native who now lives in Alabama, was the last American to own the title, winning from 1980 to 1982. Kazmaier watched Pfister’s performance and called Saturday “one of the greatest days of my life, without a doubt.”
“I’ve watched him 10 years now develop and gain strength, both in body, mind and spirit,” Kazmaier said Tuesday. “It couldn’t have happened to a better man.”
In an interview prior to the Late Show event with Charleston Daily Mail Pfister was unsure if he was to be interviewed inside the studio (he wasn’t) by Letterman:
“In one sense it’s very exciting, but in another it’s potentially disappointing that I may or may not sit in the studio,” he said. “I’d prefer to sit down and have a reasonable conversation with whoever’s show I am on. I’d rather be a person than a spectacle.”
Pfister plans on competing at the Arnold Classic Strongman during Arnold Sports Festival, during Arnold Fitness Weekend in February in Columbus, Ohio. Next year he also hopes to defend his World’s Strongest Man title. The 6-foot-6, 325-pound Charleston firefighter was back at work three days after winning the 10-day competition in Sanya, China…
The contest will be broadcast on ESPN2 on Dec. 23, in a six-hour marathon from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. American Strongman Corporation has more recent updates about Phil Pfister.
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The gymrat (aka Magnus Branzén) works for THE Swedish bodybuilding and fitness magazine. This blog will feature some of the many news items I come across – from my perspective. Most of them should be useful for weight training athletes. Or at least good for a laugh.
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i just got done watching the worlds strongest man, and i was amazed on phils performance and i hope to see him next year defending his title as worlds strongest man.
the strongest man in the world from egypt his power as 30000 mans
Phil is not only the worlds strongest man but is also a great guy. He is genuine, down to earth, and seems very likable. I hope he keeps the title in America.
I’m 12 and thinking of doing this stuff later on. I just finished watching the WSM finals, and wanted to say congrats on your victory.
Thank you for representing America well. Best of luck in 2007.
GREAT JOB PHIL!!!!!!!
Colin
Phil, you are an inspiration to all of us weight lifters. Thanks for bringing the Strong Man title back to the United States. My wife and I totally enjoyed revisting your performance on ESPN New Year’s Eve 2006. Is it possible to get an autographed picture for my son? His name is Kenny. Good luck in 2007–we’ll be watching! POWER ON! Ken
this guy is my hero.
I’ve watched the World’s Strongest Man competition since the early 80’s, first with my own father and now with my sons. Phil’s performance showed more heart than any that I had ever seen. It was truly a privilege to see it and to show my boys what the courage and determination of one man depending on a strength far greater than his own can accomplish.
PS Last night, my 5 year old asked my 115 pound wife, “Mommy, can you be the world’s strongest woman?”
Way to hang in it for the Win. USA Great job Phil. I enjoy watching the worlds strongest man. Good luck at Arnold strongman comp. I am no power lifter, but i try to stick with the weights a bit. You guys keep me motivated.
That was amazing! I have been watching the worlds strongest man for the last 15 yrs. and was watching in 2001 when you said one day you would bring it back to the U.S. there was no question that you would.After i watched you win,my three boys and i jumped around in excitment and pride…I have nothing but respect,outstanding job sir!
I saw the 2006 WSM Final for the first time last night. Watching you gut it out in the final two events, and then to beat Mariusz in the Atlas Stones by the slimmest of margins, I could feel your excitement and pride as you let out the war cries. I was almost as excited as you were!! It was a great day for American strongmen and sports heroes. Way to do your fans and country proud, Phil 🙂
I watched the 2006 World’s Strongest Man competition on ESPN with my fiance on Jan 1, 2007. I’ve watched it off and on for several years hoping that one day someone from the USA would bring it home. I am from a small town in Virginia, and was even more pleased when I saw that Phil was a simple man from “just down the road”. He seems like the kind of guy that you’d like to drink a beer with while watching football. Way to go Phil- Congratulations on your big win! You are a great example of how hard work, commitment, fortitude, and tenacity can bring someone true greatness!
Kudos to Phil!!!
It’s nice to see the next generation of American Strong Men being represented by a nice guy such as Phil. It brings back my powerlifting days in the ’70’s (when I was a Los Angeles Police Officer). I guess I’ll have to get my grandchildren involved in this too. It’s much more exciting watching the competition nowadays. Even my daughter-in-law got excited (I think it’s because she’s from West Virginia too).
Hi Guys,
The worlds Strongest Man contest has only finished on U.K T.V. tonight (5th Jan 07).
Many congrats to Phil for ending the 24 year drought!!
We watched in awe as he powered his way to the final.
A gentle giant of a man who even in taking the title was modest in his success. So often we in the U.K. are less than generous in our comments about americans. This man has given many of us concern to think again.
Once again, Phil, congratulations you deserve it.
kind regards,
Derek Chapman ( U.K. )
Phil, you are an inspiration not to just to body builders but to anyone who has a goal. If you believe you can ….you can.
Congratulations Phil, well done.
God bless.
Hey Phil, well done on your victory! and may I just say what an inspiration you are! and your ending words were very emotive and meaningfull! Thanks!
congratulation phil on winning the closest and most exciting strongest man for years. one day it would be nice to see a brit win again but in the meantime us brits are glad to see a genuinely nice man like you win the title which is well deserved after all of your hard work. i think that mariusz could not believe it when you took him at the finishing line it showed great determination and guts
Dear Phil,
Congratulations on bringing the World’s Strongest Man trophy back to the United States. I recall how years ago, in a previous WSM competition, you proclaimed that you would win it someday, and you kept good on your promise. You’re a great inspiration to us all in courage, tenacity, persistence, athleticism and belief in oneself. God bless you.
absolute class. well earnt and well deserved.
I z czego sie cieszysz ? od 1982 regularnie byliscie bici przez wszystkich a nie mysl ze Mariusz Ci odpusci na najblizszych zawodach bedziesz mu buty szorowac 🙂
Being a fairly reserved English man, I was a bit surprised to find myself losing control more and more with each one of those final events that you won. My favourite being those 4 awkward concrete blocks that you cleaned & pressed. thanks for inspiring me to get involved in strongman events, I look forward to competing against you.
well done phil 😉
Why are negative comments erased by the moderator?
Congratulations for the unexpected success. Strenght combined with a lot of luck allowed Phil to beat far more reknown champ – Mariusz.
This unexpectedness, and pure luck, explain the mood in which Phil got after he got the win, and started taking without respect about the polish champ. Mariusz , even though he is multi-world record holder-champ-icon-living legend of the Strongman sport, never speaks this way about his opponents.Clearly, there is a difference of classess between those two.
Mariusz has already invited Phil for another cup, il Lodz, Poland, in a few days, for a rematch. Phil: please, don’t accept any rematch with Mariusz. Stay the champ. Live your dream
wow i did not think phil would have won it i missed the final what happened to marius but anyway congrats to phil
Exactly,poor Pfister will now have to pay.I can bet everything i have that in next competition Pfister gonna be smashed by Mariusz.Mariusz has one big problem,recently he underestimated his opponents to much and paid for stupidity.But it wont happen again,i am sure,and once more we gonna se Mariusz winning every single competition
Phil, YOU DID IT!!!! I have watched from day one and vividly remember those words spoken by you…You did keep coming back, and all of us watched and waited. When the last stone was placed atop the tower, I know I was not the only one to shed the tears of joy for you and all of your fellow AMERICANS. I clapped so hard and long that my hands hurt for hours!! I admire you and I am proud of you. Well deserved Phil……
As a sick individual who thrives on the “next” WSM, and strength training, this was one of the greatest moments in recent history for me. But, I must say, the greatest feeling for me was to witness the anger and frustration on “Mario’s” face as he began to come to the realization that he would lose. So much for the arrogant eurowhatever. I have been hoping that soon someone-didn’t matter who, would de-throne the amazing blood-dope-man. From what I saw, Phil did not even acknowledge “Mario” but merely defeated him. You are a legend Phil. You have done what Jesse and others could not. Don’t forget about Don either. Two out of three on the stand ain’t bad.
I have the privilege of knowing and watching Phil grow from a small child to where he is today. His father was my Doctor and running friend for years. He is a great humble man, and a loyal WVaian. I remember him standing there, arms outstretched by those huge weights, looking into the camera and vowing to bring the title back to the USA and WVa. The man keeps his word. Keep at it Phillip.
It sure would have been great if Phil would have given at least some credit to Nick Osborne who owns the Built Solid Gym in Columbus Ohio.
After all Nick is the one that assisted Phil by training him,letting him use his gym and had the video made showing Phil training at the gym.
Nick Osborne has worked wonders with many of the strongmen who competes in these competitions.
would youhave any contact method for phil pfister? it is better for mail box or Msn messange.I am really interestin to contact with them.
gene
thanks very much
gene
Gene, the official web site lists phone number to contact for exhibitions and appearances: http://www.strongmanphil.com/
Phil Pfister is a legend.
He practically smashed every other
competitor out of the competition in
the final of worlds strongest man 2006
yet remained humble and down to earth when he won.
sweet as!
Best of luck in 2007
MARIUSZ PUDZIANOWSKI WILL KICK UR ASS PHIL!!
IAM 18 AND I CAN LIFT 200 KGS. I WANNA BE A STRONGMAN HOW????
[…] Finally all the stalking paid off! Doughnut in hand, despite his busy schedule of running with telephone poles and turning over cars, he stopped mid-munch to have his picture taken with me! Yes, really, he turns over cars. […]
Pingback by Phil Pfister, World's Strongest Man | Author Suzanne McMinn | December 17, 2007 |
phil pfister is a yank arse hole & mariusz will kick him up it aswell as all the other yank’s you pig’s
well done phil dont think you’l defend it sucessfully but best of luck
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