54-Year-Old American Strongman Announced Retirement, Yet Wishes to Be the Oldest Man to Total 2,204 Pounds

Nick Best is a highly recognized strongman competitor and a world-champion powerlifter. Throughout his career, Best has consistently performed in several competitions. He has dedicated a good 37 years to strongman and powerlifting. Recently, at the 2022 Official Strongman Games, Nick announced his retirement. But that’s not all, Nick has more things planned.

Before entering the sport, Nick began powerlifting. He won the USAPL National Powerlifting Championships in the 125 kg class in 1996 and 1997. In 1996, the powerlifter also won the WDFPF World Powerlifting Championships. As a strongman, he has several accolades to his name. The most memorable one is his world record in the International Federation of Strength Athletes for the 125 kg, 75 m Farmer’s Walk category, which he completed within 47.3 seconds.

What has Nick Best planned post-retirement?

After several achievements, Nick decided to retire from the sport. He announced the 2022 Official Strongman Games, where he was placed second to winner Mark Felix. Best announced by taking off his shoes at the center of the platform. It signified that he would no longer compete in the sport.

Best expressed his feelings in the interview with Barbend. He said; “Thank you all so much. I love this sport with all my heart, and it’s been a wonderful ride.” However, he also clarified that it is a partial retirement. The 54-year-old would continue to participate in powerlifting and a few strongman competitions, occasionally.

Moreover, he also shared that he wants to be the oldest man to total 2,024 pounds by competing in a powerlifting meet. “There are a couple of world records I want to set.”

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As of now, Nick has not clarified in which powerlifting meet he will participate. For Best, it is just a wrap-up on strongman competitions.

Nick Best’s Strongman achievements

Nick’s strongman career has been more glorious than powerlifting. His first victory came at the 2009 Jesse Marunde Invitational. After that, he came ninth at the 2010 Arnold Strongman Classic. In the same year, he won the All-American Strongman Challenge, which is his career’s best win. The victory opened doors for him. He participated in the Arnold Strongman Classic in the same year, where he stood ninth.

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He came second at the 2011 All-American Strongman Challenge. It got him an invite to the 2011 Arnold Strongman Classic, where he came seventh. In 2016, he won the 40+ Masters World’s Strongest Man title.