Hugo looking powerful! It’s great to see guys like him and Magnus looking strong and healthy after such long careers in Strongman. Breaks the stereotype that all the athletes fall to pieces, suffer with ill health or just become morbidly obese.
Thanks Loz! Huge respect for Hugo and all he did to put Canada on the map in Strongman- I'll always appreciate the incredible job he did promoting the huge Gatineau Balloon Festival contest and Canada's Strongest Man. Competing next to him over the years was an honor.
Had dinner with him back in 2005 during the Arnold in Columbus. Great guy. Myself Don Pope and ron slusarski another pro strongman. Was a honor to be around
I have always loved shoulder strength, and Hugo was superb. Never met him, doubt I ever will but man did I love watching him. Speaking of stories, I remember Larry Scott saying he was stood next to a news stand, and there was a mag with him on the front, the guy looks him up and down, looks at the mag and says, bet you wish you had arms like him. Thank you both
Great talk...Hugo was a competitor who was always capable of winning every comp he entered. Great to watch him compete back in the day. Thanks for another good one Loz !
Me and my two buddies put on a show that Hugo helped promote etc... so I picked up Hugo at the airport and this 360 lb man came down the escalator and people just stopped and stared. I had already known Hugo so he gets into my little Dodge Neon and even though the car was so small for him, he never complained and actually said he liked his ride. He was always a nice guy and he remembered you if he had meet you before. Nice to see him again, good luck Hugo.
I had the chance to know Hugo in the late 90's. We were working as bouncer in different clubs and training at Cardio Flex in Quebec City. Gave him few spots on military press and bench press. Very proud of his success. great guy. Salut Hugo. Martin M.
Great to see big Hugo. One of the great strongmen in an era when there were some amazing strongmen around. Hugo was always there pushing everyone. A big shame his career was cut short by injury. We have lost so many amazing strongmen before their time to injury. Including yourself Loz. I still wonder what you would have achieved without the injuries. I don’t think people truly understand the punishment a strongman’s body goes through. These are the best podcasts on the net! You have set a president that everyone else has to aspire to. Stay safe.
You can't help but like Hugo Girard. I met a gym owner in the UK who used to live in Canada and workout in the same gym as Hugo; he said he was a really nice and helpful guy.
HUUUUGGEE OOOOOO!!!!!! Growing up in Québec, Hugo was the main reason I got into lifting. Great guy, amazing athlete, huge rolemodel. My Hugo-signed lifting belt is my favorite piece of equipment. Big love for getting him on!
Rule number one when travelling to China - get an English speaking native to help you order food. It’s a mistake I made on my first business trip there, but not a mistake I would make twice 🤢 An incredible country but culturally so different to ours. Very difficult adjustment for westerners, and I imagine an absolute nightmare for Strongmen that are used to eating 6 or 7 meals a day.
I gotta admit though, it was pretty funny that Hugo's waitress decided that laughing maniacally was a better option than explaining that the chicken was spicy. Nothing lost in translation there 😂
Man I found your channel by chance, but so stoked that I did! I love hearing about the origin stories of strongmen. They give me motivation in the gym as well as in life. All the best, my friend. And thanks!
Hugo didn’t look good with lighter farmers, I too don’t look good with light farmers. Hugo was like a Diesel engine I operate one, Hugo pulled trucks I drive them... it’s like I’m looking in a mirror
Years ago I went to a strength seminar in Montreal, Hugo impressed the hell out of me by having the total package for strongman. He was around 25 and a monster. Only injuries could stop him.
Hugo's still looking strong. He posted some training clips in 2016 where he looked stronger than ever benching 240kg for 5 reps easy and doing high reps with 140kg in seated shoulder press.
I like how this opens with talking about his shoulder strength, he was an absolute beast when it came to pressing and the such lol. I felt so bad for him in the WSM 2001. I watched it live and seeing him struggle on the vertical lift because of his hand... Terrible. It looked like would easily make the podium too
I've just been watching the Grand Prix's from the late 90's and early 2000's and it's insane how POWERFUL Hugo was. He was a beast and it was devastating what happened when he made his comeback a few years later and the conan's circle crushed his knee. He was absolutely DOMINATING Mariusz (and everyone) up until that accident. I've been a huge fan of yours Hugo (I'm a Montrealer) since the 90's!
Woah, maybe I wouldn’t go as far to say that he “DOMINATED” them lol Keep in mind that the competitions he mostly won took place in Canada where he had his home advantage (and most importantly events choice advantage). When I watched those tournaments - WMPC and Super Series, I was shocked every time the commentators announced an event where Hugo didn’t hold the world record in. That’s like saying Magnús Samuelsson DOMINATED everyone because he’s NEVER lost in Sweden, defeating Žydrūnas, Virastyuk, Virtanen, Karlsen, Girard, Poundstone etc all in their primes. And even with those events being undeniably designed for him to win he needed luck/the refs help as: -in 2003 the major reason he won the title was because of Pudzianowski’s belt malfunction during squatting -in 2004 the only reason he won the title was because Vasyl got cheated in the final’s farmer’s walk Nevertheless he’s still one of the most underrated strongmen to me and his prime was great.
Interesting to hear another athlete talk about how worlds is a tv show first and a sport second. Imagine a footballer being asked to retake a penalty because the first one didn’t look good enough on camera. It’s a shame one of the more progressive federations (WUS or Giants Live) can’t buy them out so they can use the title.
I actually think Worlds put out great shows, but they need to put the athletes first and ‘allow’ it to be a sport. We also need to be able to see it all. Not just a highlight reel at Christmas. Loads of sports can go on for hours or days, like Cricket, tennis and snooker, but you still want to see the match, not just an hour of edited footage.
Reminds me of Rowan Atkinsons story about being in a Landover dealership and being compared to Mr Bean. So funny. Like officer High Tower, people listened to him too🤣
Hey Loz, love your channel and all these videos. I think an art layout/border with your logo would give these videos a more professional feel the content deserves. Just an idea! I will keep watching either way.
Hugo was an awesome athlete...the Canadian strongman mainstay before J.F. Caron. What he says about how TV takes precedence over the competition at WSM is spot-on. But the WSM is such a great TV show that the producers might resist change. If they paid the athletes a lot more and covered all health care costs to cover the risks taken by putting what looks good on TV before the welfare of the athletes, then it might be understandable...
Thanks LOZ, another great history vid. ! ;-) ..... before i forget, how does that sound to YOU : Laurence Shahlaei President of I.S F. = International Strongman Federation in cooperation with Zydrunas Savickas, Magnús Ver Magnússon, Colin J.L. Bryce, Darren Sadler e.t.c. ! Sponsored by S B D and ROGUE ;-) ..... O.K. then i woke up LOL ;-) ;-)
He was a competitor in a weird era of strongman, I didn't really follow strongman back then but how many organisations where there? wasn't there a lull in WSM at the time? I don't think he gets the respect he deserves as a competitor. He's a local celebrity now and hosts a few different shows on tv here. A renovation show, a cooking show and a atypical travel show.. he's just as big as he has always been and seems to be doing very well for himself.
One of the strongest Men to never win WSM he ripped the skin off his hand in a event I believe it was the year Svend won he would have done so much better had that not happened I bet not too many "Tough Guy's" gave Hugo a hard time when he was a cop :-)
Man , This is The Golden Age of Strongman 💪👊
Hugo looking powerful! It’s great to see guys like him and Magnus looking strong and healthy after such long careers in Strongman. Breaks the stereotype that all the athletes fall to pieces, suffer with ill health or just become morbidly obese.
Thanks Loz! Huge respect for Hugo and all he did to put Canada on the map in Strongman- I'll always appreciate the incredible job he did promoting the huge Gatineau Balloon Festival contest and Canada's Strongest Man. Competing next to him over the years was an honor.
Was always great seeing you guys on TSN! :)
What a guest! Thank you very much Loz!
Had dinner with him back in 2005 during the Arnold in Columbus. Great guy. Myself Don Pope and ron slusarski another pro strongman. Was a honor to be around
I have always loved shoulder strength, and Hugo was superb. Never met him, doubt I ever will but man did I love watching him.
Speaking of stories, I remember Larry Scott saying he was stood next to a news stand, and there was a mag with him on the front, the guy looks him up and down, looks at the mag and says, bet you wish you had arms like him.
Thank you both
Love what you're doing with the channel Loz. We need more focused voices in the strength and strongman sports world. Keep it up!
Yes yes yes! Hugo! Our stories are identical except the part where he got strong and I didn’t.
Amazing, another legend I grew up watching!
I had no idea he was so personable! He should be on TV talking about the sport, presenting, etc, without a doubt!
Thank you for these interviews Loz. All of my idols in one place (including yourself of course!)
Great talk...Hugo was a competitor who was always capable of winning every comp he entered. Great to watch him compete back in the day. Thanks for another good one Loz !
I recall when he did the log for reps and it removed the callus from his hands. What a tough son of a gun. Thank you again Mr. Shahlaei.
Me and my two buddies put on a show that Hugo helped promote etc... so I picked up Hugo at the airport and this 360 lb man came down the escalator and people just stopped and stared. I had already known Hugo so he gets into my little Dodge Neon and even though the car was so small for him, he never complained and actually said he liked his ride. He was always a nice guy and he remembered you if he had meet you before. Nice to see him again, good luck Hugo.
These interviews are great Loz, keep up the work.
So proud to have to have such good strongman here in Quebec!
Inspirational story about evolving thrpugh time. Hugo Girard was a monster! Legendary!
I had the chance to know Hugo in the late 90's. We were working as bouncer in different clubs and training at Cardio Flex in Quebec City. Gave him few spots on military press and bench press. Very proud of his success. great guy. Salut Hugo. Martin M.
Hugo is an animal!! A true legend. I loved his work in the 90s, when I got into heavy lifting. GREAT interview as always Loz. 💪💪
Awesome interview from yet another WSM legend. You can’t really talk about strongman and not mention Hugo!💪🏻👍🏻
Really hoping for Jouko soon 😉
Great to see big Hugo. One of the great strongmen in an era when there were some amazing strongmen around. Hugo was always there pushing everyone. A big shame his career was cut short by injury. We have lost so many amazing strongmen before their time to injury. Including yourself Loz. I still wonder what you would have achieved without the injuries. I don’t think people truly understand the punishment a strongman’s body goes through. These are the best podcasts on the net! You have set a president that everyone else has to aspire to. Stay safe.
You can't help but like Hugo Girard. I met a gym owner in the UK who used to live in Canada and workout in the same gym as Hugo; he said he was a really nice and helpful guy.
HUUUUGGEE OOOOOO!!!!!!
Growing up in Québec, Hugo was the main reason I got into lifting. Great guy, amazing athlete, huge rolemodel. My Hugo-signed lifting belt is my favorite piece of equipment. Big love for getting him on!
Hugo laid the foundations down for the sport in Canada. The man still shows his star quality, what a legend!
Rule number one when travelling to China - get an English speaking native to help you order food. It’s a mistake I made on my first business trip there, but not a mistake I would make twice 🤢 An incredible country but culturally so different to ours. Very difficult adjustment for westerners, and I imagine an absolute nightmare for Strongmen that are used to eating 6 or 7 meals a day.
Ruled by 共匪
I gotta admit though, it was pretty funny that Hugo's waitress decided that laughing maniacally was a better option than explaining that the chicken was spicy. Nothing lost in translation there 😂
Hugo always came across as such a great guy on TV. One of my favourite strongmen.
Holy crap look at Hugo! Looking better than ever.
And to contrast him with his rival Svend from last week ...
PH34RB svend is very sick though
@@jonnygti Very fair. Still a staggering difference, on account of Hugo looking that amazing.
PH34RB Hugo and Magnus are looking fantastic, infact id day Magnus was alot more shredded than Hugo. Magnus is around 6-7inches taller though
Great interview great questions great hour of entertainment. Shared thanks Loz!
Thanks buddy
Man I found your channel by chance, but so stoked that I did! I love hearing about the origin stories of strongmen. They give me motivation in the gym as well as in life. All the best, my friend. And thanks!
I’m glad your enjoying it buddy
used to love watchin hugo back in the day, top bloke
Hugo didn’t look good with lighter farmers, I too don’t look good with light farmers. Hugo was like a Diesel engine I operate one, Hugo pulled trucks I drive them... it’s like I’m looking in a mirror
😂😂
Years ago I went to a strength seminar in Montreal, Hugo impressed the hell out of me by having the total package for strongman. He was around 25 and a monster. Only injuries could stop him.
Hugo's still looking strong. He posted some training clips in 2016 where he looked stronger than ever benching 240kg for 5 reps easy and doing high reps with 140kg in seated shoulder press.
Thank you again Loz. A very grounded man with good thoughts and motivation. Helps me feel more positive. Cheers from Doochy 👍
I like how this opens with talking about his shoulder strength, he was an absolute beast when it came to pressing and the such lol. I felt so bad for him in the WSM 2001. I watched it live and seeing him struggle on the vertical lift because of his hand... Terrible. It looked like would easily make the podium too
On the Canadian sports channel TSN, they liked to call him "Huge-o." :)
Another great interview. Real Chinese food is actually amazing but it's indeed tough if you don't have a guide because it's so varied.
Yeah there is some amazing food and some scary food haha
Great stuff once again Loz. Cheers from the states.
I've just been watching the Grand Prix's from the late 90's and early 2000's and it's insane how POWERFUL Hugo was. He was a beast and it was devastating what happened when he made his comeback a few years later and the conan's circle crushed his knee. He was absolutely DOMINATING Mariusz (and everyone) up until that accident. I've been a huge fan of yours Hugo (I'm a Montrealer) since the 90's!
Woah, maybe I wouldn’t go as far to say that he “DOMINATED” them lol
Keep in mind that the competitions he mostly won took place in Canada where he had his home advantage (and most importantly events choice advantage). When I watched those tournaments - WMPC and Super Series, I was shocked every time the commentators announced an event where Hugo didn’t hold the world record in. That’s like saying Magnús Samuelsson DOMINATED everyone because he’s NEVER lost in Sweden, defeating Žydrūnas, Virastyuk, Virtanen, Karlsen, Girard, Poundstone etc all in their primes.
And even with those events being undeniably designed for him to win he needed luck/the refs help as:
-in 2003 the major reason he won the title was because of Pudzianowski’s belt malfunction during squatting
-in 2004 the only reason he won the title was because Vasyl got cheated in the final’s farmer’s walk
Nevertheless he’s still one of the most underrated strongmen to me and his prime was great.
Great video.👍💪
One of the true legends..... them freaky genetics showing when he’s bigger than most AFTER retiring hehe
Interesting to hear another athlete talk about how worlds is a tv show first and a sport second. Imagine a footballer being asked to retake a penalty because the first one didn’t look good enough on camera. It’s a shame one of the more progressive federations (WUS or Giants Live) can’t buy them out so they can use the title.
I actually think Worlds put out great shows, but they need to put the athletes first and ‘allow’ it to be a sport. We also need to be able to see it all. Not just a highlight reel at Christmas. Loads of sports can go on for hours or days, like Cricket, tennis and snooker, but you still want to see the match, not just an hour of edited footage.
@@steveunderwood8145 That's something I really appreciated from the Arnold's this year.
Would love to see you chat with Raimonds Bergmanis
lots of great insights again that as a fan your not really aware of, great show again Lozenge
Another cracking interview Loz
Hugo hasn't aged a day & is still massive 💪
Reminds me of Rowan Atkinsons story about being in a Landover dealership and being compared to Mr Bean. So funny. Like officer High Tower, people listened to him too🤣
if Hugo goes to Masters it looks like it would be to hold up the stage for the other athletes
💪
Been waiting for this one! 😄
Hugo: I hurt my achilles, and it took me four years to recover. Honestly, I was stronger when I came back!
Loz: Hmmmmm...
Lol
@@BigLozOfficial See ya at WSM 2023 Loz :p
@@BigLozOfficial Wouldn't be opposed to seeing a comeback down the road 😏
Hey Loz, love your channel and all these videos. I think an art layout/border with your logo would give these videos a more professional feel the content deserves. Just an idea! I will keep watching either way.
I'm a simple québecois. I see Hugo Girard I hit like.
Hugo was an awesome athlete...the Canadian strongman mainstay before J.F. Caron. What he says about how TV takes precedence over the competition at WSM is spot-on. But the WSM is such a great TV show that the producers might resist change. If they paid the athletes a lot more and covered all health care costs to cover the risks taken by putting what looks good on TV before the welfare of the athletes, then it might be understandable...
Thanks LOZ, another great history vid. ! ;-) ..... before i forget, how does that sound to YOU : Laurence Shahlaei President of I.S F. = International Strongman Federation
in cooperation with Zydrunas Savickas, Magnús Ver Magnússon, Colin J.L. Bryce, Darren Sadler e.t.c. ! Sponsored by S B D and ROGUE ;-) ..... O.K. then i woke up LOL ;-) ;-)
Lol 😂
You two have the same beard and haircut.
He was a competitor in a weird era of strongman, I didn't really follow strongman back then but how many organisations where there? wasn't there a lull in WSM at the time? I don't think he gets the respect he deserves as a competitor. He's a local celebrity now and hosts a few different shows on tv here. A renovation show, a cooking show and a atypical travel show.. he's just as big as he has always been and seems to be doing very well for himself.
28:56 sideshow + freakshow = sidefreak :)
Can you please get Dr Rackpull on
Boy, he still looks massive. Great guy. Pretty repetitive. I think all strongman are just great guys.
This part of the video reminds me of covid... can you guess which part?
One of the strongest Men to never win WSM he ripped the skin off his hand in a event I believe it was the year Svend won he would have done so much better had that not happened I bet not too many "Tough Guy's" gave Hugo a hard time when he was a cop :-)
Whats strange about ukrainian food?