VSM 6 and New Records

VSM 6 and New Records

by Jay Unver

(Lehrton, Mississippi) Zane Hodge and Randy Beets are tied in the new Big ASS series of virtual swim meets. After five meets, both athletes have won two and they tied in one. With the odds astronomically against a tie, this Friday's VSM will almost certainly break the knot up. Before getting to the meet, however, I need to discuss some of Hodge's recent records in the Association of Sports Strongmen.

Hodge set new marks in the Log Press and the Husafell Stone. Hodge bested his own Husafell record of 115 pounds for fifteen feet by loading his stone to 116 pounds and adding a foot to the distance. In addition to that mark, Hodge set the record for the barbell carry by toting 80 pounds on his back for .14 miles. Beets has yet to respond to any of Hodge's strength records.

The Log Press has seen Hodge set and reset the record several times lately. First, Hodge set the mark at 72 pounds. However, he has upped that repeatedly over the past few week, first to 77 pounds, then 82, and just this past Monday to 87 pounds. And just last night, Hodge set the squat record at 125 pounds. "I know that's a pretty anemic number on the squat, but it is a start. I'm working hard on that lift and the record will come up."

Hodge also has beaten Beets again in an abstentia ten-mile road race. This victory, which took place November the 9th, makes Hodge the Ten-mile Big ASS world champion to go along with his world championships in sprint triathlon, open water swimming, and 5K and 10K road races. 

For Friday's virtual swim meet, the two stars are set to showdown at one distance only: 1,000 yards. When asked about the race, Hodge confessed his nervousness. "I have never done 1,000 for time before. I figure this one will hurt, but it is a good distance for me. I expect to win."

Stay tuned for results which will be posted here as soon as possible.