America’s Strongest Man 2007

[Stahmixson]

Who is Derek Poundstone? America’s Strongest Man 2007! -



In 2004 Derek Poundstone won his pro card in Boston and then...didn’t compete again until a Florida show in late 2005. Well, he was a little busy going through the Connecticut police academy. After the show in Florida NAS president Willie told Derek that he looked a little rusty.
So, Derek, now a full-time police officer went back to the drawing board to put his pro strongman career back on track. Derek finished 5th at St. Pat’s in 2006 and 5th at the 2006 National Championship earning a spot at the World Championships in Iceland. He then got his first taste of international competition in two team events in the Ukraine and Lithuania, where he was a standout.
Things were looking pretty good and then a disaster. While pulling a PR 805 pound deadlift, Derek ruptured a disc in his lower back.

ASC: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Derek, and let’s get right into it. What happened with your back last year?

DP: I was pulling heavy and I felt and heard a pop. The neurosurgeon said I had a central herniation and a hematoma. I got a second opinion and that doc said essentially the same thing.
They both said I would never lift heavy again.

ASC: What went through your mind?

DP: It was very traumatic. At first I thought it was over, but something inside said don’t give up.

ASC: Fast forward to 2007. You obviously didn’t listen to the naysayers and prepared to compete in the first ASC qualifier at St. Pat’s. What shape did you come in to that event?

DP: Well, I had a 5-month check-up and there was no sign of a hematoma and no ill effects from the herniation. I didn’t do a lot of heavy squatting and pulled only twice before the show, but my conditioning was better then ever before.

ASC: There is no question about your conditioning, and you actually came away from St. Pat’s with a win. That had to answer a lot of questions.

DP: It really did. I was more confident then ever and I knew that my training regimen was solid. I do a lot of gym lifts, training and a lot of supersets, so my conditioning is incredible. I also knew that in time I would be able to add the heavy lifts back into the routine.

ASC: So, the training regimen is solid and your confidence is boosted and you show up at Nationals and literally steal the show. You finished 30 points ahead of a very tough field. What were things like when you returned home?

DP: Since coming home it has been a whirlwind. There were scrolls across the bottom of screen during the news on television with “Poundstone Wins America’s Strongest Man” as the top news story. There were newspaper interviews and calls for personal appearances. It has really been awesome.

ASC: I understand that your training situation has changed a little too.

DP: Yes. The local gym where I train is going to add on and dedicate an area for Strongman training. Tom (McClure) and I will really be able to turn it on for IFSA World’s. I have already done two hard conditioning sessions.

ASC: You have already trained twice? One week after Nationals?

DP: Yes. I want a podium finish at IFSA World’s. And, I will do whatever it takes to get it.

Derek Poundstone is a 25 year-old police officer from Connecticut and an ASC athlete. He is
America’s Strongest Man, he is hungry and he is coming to IFSA World’s on a mission.

[Lanfeust]

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