Svend is one of the biggest legends in the sport, and also a very funny guy.

@janoycresva276

2 жыл бұрын

Why do you say that? He only won the title one time & that's it, same with Magnus Samuelsson. Meanwhile someone like Jouko Ahola is completely ignored & under appreciated despite the fact that he's one of only 9 men to ever win the contest more than once, one of only 3 men to win the contest his first appearance who then went on to win it more than once. Not to mention coming close to being the third man to ever win the contest 3 years in a row.

@ujmm

26 күн бұрын

​@janoycresva276 Svend got involved late with Strongman and was still unlucky to win it only once. In 1997 svend was leading the final with when he got injured and even Ahola said that Svend would have won in 1997.

Sad to hear about Svends kidney. I hope he’s able to get a donor and get back to some sort of strength soon.

I met Svend probably 9-10 years ago in Australia. He was super lovely and we had a good chat about classical music and the great composers. A fine experience I often look back on fondly!

Very few conquer Strongman after conquering every other "gym rat" avenue. Bodybuilder, powerlifter, Strongman and true Viking. I remember watching him as a kid and begging my mum (who's German) to find out if we had any Scandinavian in our ancestry lol.

Svend is also 3x Norways strongest man, 1x Europe strongest man and 1x Nordic Strongest man 💪

Really good interview. Hope he gets his health sorted out and is able to get into the gym again. Would love to see a healthy Svend Karlsen refereeing or commentating at Strongman events in the future.

@SparklingLavaJellyfish

3 жыл бұрын

I hope so too.. I remember when he lost his wife to suicide :/

@beardedbjorn5520

3 жыл бұрын

@@SparklingLavaJellyfish seriously? Damn, that’s tragic.

Svend is changed a lot, i hope he is doing well so glad to see him ❤

Svend never really had a weak event and was always great fun to watch. People like him gave more to the sport than they ever took. A legend.

@beardedbjorn5520

3 жыл бұрын

And he was so humble about it as well. Which is why he remains one of my all time favourites.

@ManicMindTrick

3 жыл бұрын

His grip was always his weak point, other than that he was a great overall strength athlete.

@doublem1975x

2 жыл бұрын

His deadlift wasn’t that great. He was the the best presser in the world for a time though.

@patrikboij7560

2 жыл бұрын

@@doublem1975x Compared to other stongmen at the time his deadlift was above average. Samuelsson and Virtanen were not good deadlifters. Ahola and Pudzianowski would struggle to beat Svend in a max deadlift challenge. Some of the guys back then did not have top notch static strength. That’s why Mariusz stayed with Met-Rx WSM. The strongest guys all went to IFSA.

Absolute legend wishing Svend a speedy full recovery 🙏

Hoping for a full recovery for you soon, Svend.

To this day, the greatest moment in strongman history is: Svend Karlsen: finishes event Colin Bryce: "it's quite a close race after 3 (I think?) events". Svend: "what's everybody's score?" Colin: "I have bo idea." Both: *hysterical laugh*

@ujmm

26 күн бұрын

In what contest was that?

I got to talk with Svend while he and Eddy Coan were reading Eddy’s book waaaaaay back at one of the Arnold Classics. It was surreal!! I only wish the BEST for Svend!!

Hilarious to hear Big Z described as a thorn in your side, lol 😂

great interview, one of the more colorful personalities in strongman back in the day. Hoping you get on Jouko Ahola in the future!

@jonnygti

3 жыл бұрын

Jouko is coming, I can feel it, Loz has the charm to get anyone on the channel he wants 😜👍🏻

@williamgardiner2448

3 жыл бұрын

I'd love to see ahola,my all time fave

Svend, you're a legend! You were the first person since Jon Pall Sigmarsson to bring LIFE and ENERGY and CHARISMA to strongman. Good luck in getting your new kidney.

Thanks so much Loz ! Been waiting for this one. Svend was was and is a huge inspiration to me all these years; an amazing athlete and a great character both in strongman and life in general. Hope he gets his health sorted out real soon, best wishes Svend

Svend Karlsen, the legend, used to love watching him because he was so animated, and hungry for it! I really hope he gets better soon aswell. I can’t see anyone disliking Svend, such a nice bloke👍🏻

@beardedbjorn5520

3 жыл бұрын

He really is. I love listening to his interviews after the events, man used to laugh at himself all the time. You just can’t dislike this guy haha

I'm so glad you had svend on. He is one of my favourite strongmen and loved him growing up. Started watching strongman in 1997 and karlsen was probably the biggest character in late 90s. Was so glad he won it in 2001, I'm sure he has all 3worlds 1st second third. Nice one loz, hope he gets the kidney sorted soon.

Wasn't expecting a Mount & Blade image in the thumbnail.

What a lovely guy and a huge character of the sport in his day. Wishing him all the very best health-wise. Seems strange all these years later to hear of his kidney issues because when he competed I always used to comment that he looked terribly jaundiced.

Thanks loz for getting viking power on ,saw him in competition at glenarm castle,co down in 2001,he was wsm that year,he was squating a Mitsubishi jeep on a frame ,think he got over twenty reps,brilliant, hope he gets sorted with a kidney ,first class video and thanks again

Svend was my Hero and Idol when I started hitting the gym. I guess he still is, it is just that both me and him have gotten older, I really hope he will get well again.

A true legend. You only have to read through the comments section to see how respected, and loved this guy is.

That's a nice video. Svend Karlson seems to be a very authentic person. When I was watching old videos I always thought he has a very strong charisma and a strong character. It's very interesting to hear that he is interested in UFOs. Me as well I'm fascinated by this topic, I know there is far more out there than most people would imagine. What he told about crafts that could bend space time, the same was explained by a guy that has actually seen a real UFO from inside and tried to understand its propulsion system, back in 1989, Bob Lazar.

Love Svend and great memories of him competing. Him and Magnus in Worlds Strongest Arms is still in my DVD collection. Best wishes to him with his kidney condition x

Another episode of The Big Loz Strongman Experience Podcast. Im enjoying these chats.

Awesome, maybe we'll see a Johannes Årsjö interview in the future?

I was going to send you a PM suggesting Svend. So happy for this!

Loz the sign of a great interviewer is that his guests feel so comfortable and at ease that they are free to open up and share themselves you have that rare skill another fantastic interview well done Matec keep up the great work 👍😉

I didn't see you had uploaded this he is such a legend he was the best entertainer in strongman sad to hear he is not in the best of health

So is Svend Technically the strongest IFBB pro of all time?

@spokeen6249

3 жыл бұрын

Stan Efferding likes to call himself that title 😉

@johanstrm840

3 жыл бұрын

Yes!

@vanguard4065

3 жыл бұрын

Svend is the only IFBB pro with a world’s strongest man title.

Great to see Svend interviewed, love these interviews with the legends of strongman!!

Lovely to hear from Svend again! So happy you had him on Laurence! Thank you so much👍

Great interview with Svend, hope he gets well soon

2 true legends!! Amazing!! Big fan of both of you!!

great so see Svend on here ive been waiting for this one. one of the greatest anyone who hasn't should go watch the old worlds strongest man contests on here and watch him and guys like jouko and Magnus. I hope he gets his new kidney soon and hopefully we get too see bit more of him.

One of my favorites growing up. That’s for the great interview.

Loz, your interview skills are on point. I would seriously watch you talk even to non-strongmen

@jamesgallagher1992

3 жыл бұрын

Yea luarence lets his guests speak without cutting them off mid stream...excellent interviewer...best wishes svend👍

So nice to hear and see the Viking again.

@skrette

3 жыл бұрын

You should have asked him about eating fish :-) best Svend Karlsen moment ever :-)

God bless you, buddy. Hope you get your health fixed up. Loved watching you dominate back in the day. 💪🏼

Everyone loves Svend! 3rd, then 2nd, then 1st at WSM! BITD when Svend had his Viking Power website I send him a email to congratulate him on his win to my surprise, he emailed me back great Guy he's welcome to have one of my kidneys. Thanks for the interview Loz!

Great interview Loz! Svend is one of my all time favourite strongmen!💪😎 All the best Svend!🙌

Hi big loz so sorry to hear sven and ill health... was a massive fan of sven and his viking power ... followed him for years . Hope he get well quick... he was in amazing shape for strength and bodybuilding

Thanks for this interview Laurence! I met Svend in Drammen in 2019, but I didn't recognize him until hours later.. (I my defence he had gotten older and it was at a commercial gym that I'd never expect to see him) But here you asked all the questions I'd have if I got to sit down and talk with him. I'm impressed with how well you know the athletes you're interviewing and how much you respect them.

On viking power dvd he did 370kgx3 on deadlift and did farmers walk outside on snow , that was cool back in the day

You legend ! Thank you

Been waiting for this one. True legend of the sport with not only immense strength but up there with Jon pall as possibly the strongman with the greatest charisma. Top entertainment

One of the legends I grew up watching.

That was a great interview, always loved watching Svend, what a shame to see him in poor health, hopefully he will get a donor. Puts things in perspective. Wishing Svend well. Thanks for the interview. On a different note, it would be nice to see you interviewed, you give a lot of time to others, would be nice to hear your story.

Nice one Loz! My favourite of that era. Viking Power 💪🏼🇳🇴👍🏽

Thank you for another wonderful interview Loz. Without a doubt, Svend was one of the most charismatic strongmen we have ever seen and a credit to the sport of strongman. In his day he was immense, and it’s hard to believe he only won Worlds once. Good health Svend. Stay strong.

Thank you so much for this Mr. Shahlaei. Viking power Mr. Karlsen.

Viking power, legend of the sport.

Love seeing Svends watch him for long time. Hope he gets his Kidney soon. Hoping to see Jouko Ahola on here in the future lol

Svend is one of my favorite strongmen of all time. I was really looking forward to this interview. :D

@beardedbjorn5520

3 жыл бұрын

Same here man. He’s such a likeable guy.

Love hearing from these legends! Keep it up Loz!

great channel love these interviews with the legends.

Love you Sven, praying for you!

Hope you get well soon Svend!

Thank you for the upload Loz. Can’t believe I missed this one!

Thank you! Probably the most enjoyable episode you have produced thus far. Felt like it could have lasted twice as long. Svend is such a simple, yet interesting character. Can we have Arild Haugen, and Odd Haugen next please?

A truly memorable and magnificent competitor. His squat at the 2002 WSM finals in Malaysia was unforgettable. He's still only fifty, and I hope he regains his health as soon as possible, gets that new kidney, and can take part in the strongman scene again. Laurence, at this juncture, I ask you whether you have any interest in addressing the elephant in the room of strongman. Svend has kidney issues. Darren Sadler had kidney issues. Andy Bolton has had kidney issues. We know why. On Joe Rogan's podcast, Mark Bell candidly admitted that steroids were part of the sport of strongman. In a famous longform article on Brian Shaw, it was acknowledged that steroids were part of the sport of strongman. ("You don't take a knife to a gunfight.") If everyone uses them, then it's a level playing field in that respect. Would you care to talk about steroids vis-a-vis strongman in a video...?

@BigLozOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

This is a subject I do plan on addressing but there is a huge risk to any athlete that talks openly about this type of thing so I would like to grow my page and start to make some money on KZread as talking about this type of thing can cause such a stir. Athletes can loose sponsorship etc just talking about it. But it’s a subject that needs addressing and people need educating on it. The good and the bad.

@cantilever

3 жыл бұрын

@@BigLozOfficial Your response is why I have such massive respect for you, Loz--I've seen other famous strength athletes shut down instantly when the topic is broached. Strongman is such an extreme sport to begin with, and the athletes are taking huge risks with their health in preparation as well as competing...while the money involved is still not anywhere near where it needs to be. I hate that steroids have to be a "dark secret"--that only promotes ignorance and increases the risk factor and the stigma factor...

@andrixen

3 жыл бұрын

Actually Arild Haugen, Norways second most successfull man in WSM has made a whole youtube series on the topic of steroid abuse. He also did an interview with Svend in that regard, where Svend said he was supportive of his work and would like to help him.

Please bring Sven back to talk about science and space👍 great to see him hope he gets healthy soon

Another great one, Loz!!🥰 Good to "hear" from a fellow Norwegian!!🥰🥰

My favourite Strongman ever..love him in the late 90s...met him once in Kuala Lumpur in 2002, Superb bloke!

Been making my way through the interviews slowly during some slow nights...Svend was another of my favorites, was so happy to see him win in 2001. Hope he's gotten that kidney, or at least gotten closer to getting it. Thanks again for these tremendous interviews Mr. Shahlaei! Viking power forever!

Best interview u done.... Ita all about fun... And svern is fun.... Good gift to have....

Svend is a true legend of strongman. I remember the cheek and fun he brought to the sport. Loved watching him. Hope we see him again soon, within the sport, in a different role. ❤️

Best Strongman content for months running!!

Fantastic interview/casual talk. Subscribed!

VIKING POWER!!!!!

Another peach Loz it's a great community of athletes. Thanks it's good to see. 👍 Doochie

Used to love watching Svend in Strongman. He was awesome. He made it look fun and he was such a cheeky chappy. Hope his health improves and he gets the treatment he needs. ❤️

My all-time favorite funny Svend moment (of which there are many!) was from the 2004 Strongman Super Series Grand Prix in Sweden (same event where Virastyuk dislocated his finger). Colin asks Svend if he's surprised to have finished in third place and Svend says 'yeah, because I've been doing all my training at MacDonald's.' Then he pauses for a moment, like he's thinking about it, then says 'Ronnie MacDonald is the best coach in the world! YEAH, MACDONALD'S!'

That was great. We all loved Svend.

Legends Never Die!

So sad that he did not win the arnolds. 3 times 2nd place..

Loved watching Sven 💪

Legends never die..true legend

I watched "Viking Power" as I started my health journey years ago and it has always inspired me in the gym. I am nowhere near where I need to be, but always trying to do better. Thanks for this video; if you talk to Sven again, please let him know how inspirational he is to so many people!

I've been waiting for this :-) Glad to hear from Svend again. Such a shame to hear of another Kidney issue.

Great stuff Loz. Hes funny. All the best for him.

Remember him competing in WSM great guy and very strong, would not recognize him now at all

@jonnygti

3 жыл бұрын

You can, he looks different here because hes wearing a cap and glasses. All of us who remember him from strongman, remember him without hats and glasses, and of course the bleached blonde hair 😂💪🏻

@beardedbjorn5520

3 жыл бұрын

He’s looking unwell here due to his kidney failure as well.

@jonnygti

3 жыл бұрын

@@beardedbjorn5520 ah yes, good point, forgot about that

Great channel

A Legend always a happy guy 👌

Hey Loz, thank you for all the enterview's with the greats and the future prodigies. I've always wanted to know so much about these monsters there stories and who they are. Thank you very much. VIKING4POWER 😁👍👍

Such a unique guy, legend

Hope he’s doing better since this video heart breaking to hear his ill health absolute legend

I miss watching svend, what a great guy

What an amazing man.

Yooo, I trained in the warehouse where his clothes (in this video) came from :D That brand has founded a local powerlifting club and put a gym next to where they work.

Wow his appearence changed a lot.

@WWE2426

3 жыл бұрын

He went through a lot the past 10 years with health and personal issues. Glad though he's steadily recovering.

@johanstrm840

3 жыл бұрын

Kidney Failure is extremely hard on your body.

@kimaboe

3 жыл бұрын

@@johanstrm840 He also lost his wife in tragic circumstances which took a toll on him, I hope he'll recover healthwise and thrive again, because he seems like a very nice man.

@johanstrm840

3 жыл бұрын

@@kimaboe Yes, I know. It's tragic.

@brucedickinson12

3 жыл бұрын

@@johanstrm840 no shit

I would also like interviews with some lesser known guys, Paul Smith comes to mind. Or guys like Badger Brunning or Aaron Page.

@BigLozOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

In the pipe line :)

Great strongman 💪💪💪💪💪💪

Svend was always a character when he competed, sad to hear about his health issues☹️, hope he gets the help he needs and gets better 👍

WIKING POWAAA

I still have the email reply Svend sent me when I was 15 and told him my best lifts and for asked for advice. That was 19 years ago!

@BigLozOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome

@thebiggerbodycoach6557

3 жыл бұрын

Big Loz Official Looking for validation from one of the greats at the time! I also remember telling you on the Muscletalk forums that you had the best post event roar of any of the strongmen 👊

I love Svend, the guy had such a, "Go for it", attitude, a Viking attitude. Very inspiring. I also think he could have won the Aplon Wheels at the Arnold #2, if he wasn't injured, or at least tied with Big Z. He actually moved the weight faster...a very explosive athlete. Probably would have been a great Olympic weightlifter, or Greco-Roman wrestler as well. I hope you get that Kidney Viking 💪...or take one! 💪

Absolute legend. Brilliant when he won WSM. Also though when he completely dominated over that tyre squat lift event 14 reps in Malaysia WSM (i think Mariusz got 5 reps)

loved that, Sven we love you bro hope you get sorted soon, if your interested you might like richard l thomson- alien identities