3 May 2016

A host of global giants, including some of the world's strongest men and fittest women, will take on promising local contenders as they battle for top honours at the inaugural Arnold Classic Africa, to be held at Sandton Convention Centre between 27-29 May.

One of the most anticipated events of the health and fitness spectacle, which forms part of the worldwide Arnold Sports Festival, is the Strongman competition, and organizers have lived up to the hype by introducing a quality line-up which includes Hafbór Thor Björnsson of Iceland, who portrays 'Mountain' in the TV series Game of Thrones.

Says Arnold Classic Africa partner Wayne Price: "This is the first time we are holding this event, so we are really pleased with the interest shown by some of the world's leading strongmen and bodybuilders. We are also delighted to be able to give our top local athletes a chance to compete at home against the international elite, and for South African fans to meet world renowned personalities."

Aside from Björnsson, a four-time podium finisher in the World's Strongest Man contest, a number of other global powerhouse athletes are set to turn out with their eyes firmly set on the lucrative R800 000 Strongman prize purse.

American Brian Shaw, the reigning World's Strongest Man champion, will spearhead the line-up as a long list of title contenders’ showcase their strength by lifting cars, pulling trucks and flipping tires, among other challenges.

Other international entrants include Mateusz Kieliszkowski  (Poland),  Mikhail Shivlaykov (Russia), Eben le Roux (Australia), Nick Best (United States), Nagy Akos (Hungary), Johnathan Lane (United States), Marcos Farrari (Brazil) and Dimitar Savatinov (Bulgaria).

The local contingent will be led by Marc van der Haer and Frankie Scheun.

Meanwhile, the entry list for the Arnold Classic Africa Pro Bodybuilding competition is also impressive, with R1.5 million in prize money on the line.

Three South African men - Marius Dohne, Cobus van der Merwe and Andrew Hudson - will face each other for the first time on an international IFBB Pro stage.

They will have to contend with globally renowned opponents, with American star Dexter Jackson entering the event as the favourite for the title.

The women's fitness division will also have some local flavour, with Caroly Erasmus representing South Africa at the highest level.