“I’m Devastated to Hear”: Strongman Brian Shaw’s Saddening Announcement Leaves Strength Sports Community Teary-Eyed

Brian Shaw is among the most well-known names in the world of strength sports. Shaw began his career nearly two decades ago but established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the late 2000s. From 2009 to 2018, the American strongman finished in the top 5 of the World’s Strongest Man competition and won the title four times. In 2011, he also became the first man to win the WSM and the Arnold Classic Strongman in the same year. However, one of the most decorated strength athletes of all time made a saddening announcement.

On February 27, Brian Shaw uploaded a video on his youtube channel. In his Youtube video, the four-time World’s Strongest Man winner spoke about the upcoming Shaw Classic event. However, he also announced his retirement.

Brian Shaw revealed his last strongman competition

The former champion had earlier announced that the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition would be his last time on the WSM stage. However, in his latest YouTube video, Shaw announced that he would be stepping away from competition entirely. “I only feel like it is fitting for me to do my final strongman competition at the shaw classic at the event that I created, to give back to this sport,” Shaw said.

Shaw seemed to struggle with the words as he said, “it’s tough for me to say those words… that this is going to be my final time… but it’s going to be.” The former WSM winner’s announcement left the entire strength sports community emotional.

Strength sports fans were not ready for the saddening announcement

Shaw’s retirement announcement left the strength sports world teary-eyed, as athletes and fans commented on the video:

“I shed a tear a little Bryan is a legend and will be missed at competitions.”

“Been a hell of a career Brian. Onto (an) even bigger future.”

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“What an ambassador for your support! Thank you, Brian, for your commitment!”

“Brian… You have been an inspiration to the sport, and we will forever be grateful for everything you have brought to it. Excited to compete with you one last time!!!”

“Brian seems to be so humble and an all-around amazing human being.”

“As a strongman enthusiast, I’m devastated to hear you’ll not be competing again; however, you’ll always go down as one of the very best all-time greats. It’s been amazing watching your incredible career. Let’s lift that last trophy!!”

“Let’s go, Brian. Let’s make this last WSM your best one, and let’s finish off with a strong note. Let’s get that 5th title.”

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What did you think of the announcement? Will you miss Brian Shaw on the competition floor? Let us know in the comments.