The 2022 Rogue Strongman Invitational, which befell on Oct. 28-30, 2022, on the Dell Diamond stadium in Spherical Rock, TX, noticed Ukrainian Oleksii Novikov ascend the rostrum and declare the six-figure prize for first place. Novikov beat the opposite 9 elite strongmen who have been invited to compete, together with the 2021 Rogue Strongman Invitational champion Martins Licis.

Additionally among the many roster was former American log elevate file holder Rob Kearney. Kearney completed in eighth place — a drop of two ranks from his 2021 efficiency. On Nov. 4, 2022, Kearney took to his YouTube channel to recap his efficiency. Test it out through the video under:

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Day One

Kearney opened the video by sharing the tragic information that his husband, Joey’s, mom handed away unexpectedly one week previous to the 2022 Rogue Invitational. The stress and grief that accompanies the lack of a beloved one weighed Kearney’s preparation down closely, together with a dialog about whether or not or not Kearney would even journey to Texas to compete.

In the end, Kearney did make the journey to the lone-star state to check his hand in opposition to the opposite strongmen within the discipline regardless of not coaching in any respect in the course of the week main as much as the occasion. Kearney felt glad with the seven reps he pulled within the Tower of Energy occasion, however it was solely ok for seventh place. Pavlo Nakonechnyy gained the occasion with 12 reps.

Within the Cyr Dumbbell Ladder, Kearney locked out three of the 4 dumbbells in a time of 49.81 seconds. That was a four-rank leap from his consequence within the Heavy Dumbbell occasion in 2021, so he acknowledged the progress that was made.

Within the Husafell Sandbag Carry, Kearney felt assured as he usually carried out occasions just like this earlier than turning professional. Nevertheless, he felt he made a mistake in positioning when he lifted the sandbag, as he positioned it too excessive on his sternum. This made respiratory more difficult and in the end shaved valuable steps off his distance. He traveled simply over 148 toes — far sufficient for fifth place within the occasion.

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Day Two

For the Rogue-a-Coaster occasion, Kearney wrapped the rope round his arm in order that he might lean and twist at full extension to garner additional distance with every pull. Sadly, the truth was his grip alternative value him beneficial time in the course of the transition from pull to drag. The failed technique scored him a last-place end within the occasion.

Kearney knew the Yoke Carry and Log Elevate Medley was “not going to be an occasion win” for him, however was assured that he might efficiently lock out all three reps on the log and rating a comparatively sturdy time. He crossed the end line at 1:20.58 seconds for sixth place. He “wasn’t sad” along with his run, simply acknowledged that the remainder of the sector introduced the warmth.

For the ultimate occasion — Stones Over Hitching Submit — Kearney knew he wasn’t in competition for a podium spot, however there was nonetheless cash on the road relying on his ultimate rating. Kearney felt exhausted by the point it was his activate the Stones and locked in a ninth-place end after changing three stones over the bar. 

Though Kearney wasn’t joyful along with his total efficiency nor met his expectations, he nonetheless felt lucky to compete, given the familial tragedy that occurred earlier than the competition. Kearney will possible return for the 2023 strongman season, although he didn’t verify within the video when his subsequent elite contest can be.

Featured picture: @worlds_strongest_gay on Instagram