RESEARCH ARTICLE
Muscle and tendon morphology of a world strongman and deadlift champion
Thomas G. Balshaw,1 Garry J. Massey,1,2
 Robert Miller,1,3,4 Emmet J. McDermott,1,5
Thomas M. Maden-Wilkinson,6 and
 Jonathan P. Folland1
1School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom;2College of Life
and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom;3UK Athletics, Loughborough University,
Loughborough, United Kingdom;4Department of Sport Science, Aspire Academy, Doha, Qatar;5Department of Physical
Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; and6Academy of Sport and Physical Activity, Faculty
of Health and Wellbeing, Shefﬁeld Hallam University, Shefﬁeld, United Kingdom
Abstract
This study compared the muscle and tendon morphology of an extraordinarily strong individual, a World’sS t r o n g e s tM a na n dd e a d l i f t
champion (WSM), with that of various other athletic, trained, and untrained populations. The WSM completed the following:1)3 . 0 - T
MRI scans, to determine the volume of 22 individual lower limb muscles, 5 functional muscle groups, patellar tendon (PT) cross-sec-
tional area (CSA), and PT moment arm; and2) countermovement jumps (CMJ) and isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) contractions. The
WSM was compared with previously assessed groups from our laboratory (muscle and tendon) and the wider research literature
(CMJ and IMTP). The WSM’s CMJ peak power (9,866 W) and gross (9,171 N) and net (7,480 N) IMTP peak forces were higher than
any previously published values. The WSM’s overall measured leg muscle volume was approximately twice that of untrained controls
( þ 96%) but with pronounced anatomical variability in the extent of muscular development. The plantarﬂexor group (þ 120%) and the
guy rope muscles (sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus:þ 140% to þ 202%), which stabilize the pelvis and femur, demonstrated the
largest differences relative to that of untrained controls. The WSM’s pronounced quadriceps size (greater than or equal to twofold vs.
untrained) was accompanied by modest PT moment arm differences and, notably, was not matched by an equivalent difference in PT
CSA (þ 30%). These results provide novel insight into the musculotendinous characteristics of an extraordinarily strong individual,
which may be toward the upper limit of human variation, such that the WSM’s very pronounced lower limb muscularity also exhibited
distinct anatomical variability and with muscle size largely uncoupled from tendon size.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY Lower-body muscle size of an extraordinarily strong individual, a World’s Strongest Man and deadlift
champion (WSM), was approximately twice that of controls but was underpinned by pronounced anatomical variability in the
extent of muscular development (þ 23–202%): the plantarﬂexor group and guy rope muscles demonstrating the largest differen-
ces. The WSM’s quadriceps size (more than or equal to twice that of controls) contrasted with modest differences in patella ten-
don moment arm (þ 18%) and was uncoupled from patellar tendon size (þ 30%).
isometric force; magnetic resonance imaging; power; strength
INTRODUCTION
Feats of strength have fascinated man since the early stages
of human civilization, as shown by the archeological evidence
of inscribed heavy stones at Olympia and Thera in Greece,
dated to the 6th century BC, detailing the way they were lifted
by Bybon and Eumastus, respectively (1). Over the centuries,
many types of strength competitions have existed; some of
which have been codiﬁed and endured within modern sport-
ing competitions (e.g., weightlifting, powerlifting, and shot
p u t ) .I na d d i t i o n ,p r o f e s s i o n a ls t r o n g m a nc o m p e t i t i o n s ,s u c h
as the annually contested“World’sS t r o n g e s tM a n” event,
generate extensive global interest (2). Moreover, scientiﬁc
understanding of muscular strength is important because of