The Big Z Interview! Zydrunas Savickas The Greatest Strength Athlete of All Time

Eddie vs Thor, Log press WR, Mariusz Pudzianowski, IFSA, WSM events and much more! 4 x World's Strongest Man 8X Arnold Strongman Classics all discussed by Big Z who is considered the strongest athlete in history.
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#worldsstrongestman #mattrhodessport #WSM #bigz #bigztrophies #bigzlogpress #strongman #eddiehall #bigzdeadlift #bigzlogpressworldrecord #bigzstrongman #zydrunassavickaslogpress #zydrunassavickassquat #zydrunassavickasaxle #zydrunassavickasinterview
Timecodes
0:00 Intro
0:20 Why the nickname Big Z
01:40 First realisation of Strength
02:55 Family Strength history
03:50 Alternate career plans
08:15 First WSM
12:10 Meeting Mariusz Pudzianowski
13:37 Terrible Injury Rehab
17:40 Powerlifting Max Total
18:54 Bench Press
19:40 Flexibility Importance
21:25 Arnolds - Mark Henry
24:00 WSM too light? Mariusz
26:40 Biggest Career Victory
27:45 Arnold's Dominance
28:40 IFSA Split
31:42 Mariusz not going to IFSA
33:50 Would Z have beaten Mariusz?
35:47 How so Strong?
38:40 Diet
40:50 Smith Machine
42:33 Log Press Training
45:30 Log Press WR
46:24 500kg Deadlift
48:00 Eddie vs Thor
49:33 Mindset/Psychology
50:52 Best Opponents
53:40 Bill Kazmaier
54:30 Strongman Popularity
55:26 WSM Event Format
57:40 Next Log Press WR holder
59:25 Regrets
1:01:30 What athletes do wrong
1:02:20 Future Plans
1:04:45 Thank you

[@MattRhodesSport]

Very unusual to get such a long interview and with all these questions been answered by the greatest of our sport. please give the video a like and leave a comment if you enjoyed it. Thanks guys! ☕If you really liked it you can even buy me a cup of coffee:) www.buymeacoffee.com/mattrhodes

[@KCJbomberFTW]

Thank you for opening with the big z question haha

[@nmaresch579]

I didnt know he does a yearly competition, where is the footage?

[@nmaresch579]

Your aces mate. Just checked out his insta, I get it isnt exactly what you said but the while first page of Google was garbage, and I saw him doing SBD equipment log lift for reps, and yeah, selfies with Eddie hall( no hate i subscribe to everyone as a fan just of course Eddie got a selfie with Big Z which as a judge he was careful to appear with contestants during) Thanks. I haven't really reached out to strength athletes overseas other than novikov or big loz as a Western/American fan on Google or social media I wrongly ignored it. Stupid me. Thanks again.

[@PaterExcelsior]

@@nmaresch579 check out Big Z’s own KZbin channel. Loads on there.

[@adampowell5481]

Very good interview, great questions and knowledgeable interaction

[@EmilBBechGrip]

Crazy there's never been an actual interview like this with Big Z, Matt Rhodes you're really bringing all the content us big strongman fans want!

[@MattRhodesSport]

This was the big one i was hunting

[@MoralesCorner]

You can see he's becoming very fluent in English speaking, it wasn't always like this but now it seems he's realising it would benefit his brand and would really please his fans who wants to know more about him, so now he can finally sit down do a interview in English language

[@jasonsamuels3522]

This guys career is on another level! He's not just the greatest in this sport , he is undoubtedly one of the greatest athletes to ever walk the planet.. it doesn't matter whether we are talking about the greatest ever Olympians, the greatest soccer players or whatever .. this guy ranks alongside them all.. a bloody lovely fella too, respect 👊🏻

[@MattRhodesSport]

100%

[@goku-sw8rh]

The Strongest man to walk this 🌍

[@alanhurst1766]

Next to me 😏

[@jdstamm9663]

so true 👍😄

[@adnanrawashdeh3965]

Fax

[@ep2295]

How the hell is he looking younger than usual? This man must be drinking the same water as mark felix

[@alexmilburn4261]

Weight loss and decreased stress.

[@kinggoomba5684]

Or constant trips to the fountain of youth

[@makaan699]

@@alexmilburn4261 What do you mean decreased stress? He's always happy.

[@alexmilburn4261]

@@makaan699 Training/eating/competing to become WSM is stressful.

[@paulmitchell5349]

Maybe not drinking fluoridated water. That ages a person.

[@alanhurst1766]

Matt is lowkey jacked himself

[@dadimadh4528]

0:59 He's talking about Zydrunas Ilgauskas... nice reference!

[@mustang8206]

Funny how Brian Shaw and Big Z both share a name with a basketball player

[@Carmine_Lupertazzi]

Well done for getting this far Matt. You're a success mate 👊🏾

[@MattRhodesSport]

Thank you

[@briancorliss]

Really humble guy especially when talking about Mark Henry

[@MattRhodesSport]

Yep, he has nothing to prove. Confident but humble

[@banks89able]

Matt gets these interviews through his knowledge, respect, and passion.

[@MattRhodesSport]

Thank you, i'm fortunate the guys give me so much time and answer all my questions.

[@jetmech9287]

This is strongman content. One of the strongest humans ever and definitely the best strongman ever. That's pretty amazing.

[@bammatthews9092]

Without you and Big Loz I wouldn't have anything to watch on KZbin. Thanks for the content. I would love to see if you could get Bill Kazmeier on here. Good interview.

[@MattRhodesSport]

I've asked Bill and he thanked me for the video i did on him but hasn't agreed to an interview YET

[@bammatthews9092]

@@MattRhodesSport I will buy him a cheeseburger if that sweetens the pot

[@TylerSmithMusic1]

He seems like if you offended him with a question he would break your neck lmao

[@hassanzafar6697]

@@MattRhodesSport you should interview Brian shaw

[@combinemax]

The device of big z neck isn't a microphone, it's an inhibitor. It helps him to control his powers in order to protect people around him

[@LatinoAaron]

You can tell he is the greatest by the way he takes a compliment. He doesn't get embarrassed but acknowledges it so nonchalantly as if to say, "Yes, you're right, that was amazing when I did that!"

[@Saphire_Throated_Carpenter_Ant]

Imagine me, only recently getting into strongman competitions, just now finding out about this guy! Amazing accomplishments. (I'm only just starting to expand my awareness beyond Eddie, Thor and Brian.)

[@Saphire_Throated_Carpenter_Ant]

Btw he mentioned he got some gene testing done. Where does a person get that done? I'm assuming not just through their PCP?

[@MattRhodesSport]

I think he did the Muhdo gene test

[@getstrongby4038]

If you know about brian you really need to watch their back and forth rivalry

[@Hesher93]

Dude, go and watch all the WSM competitons that are on youtube, also from 10-20 years ago. It's so entertaining!

[@toddrinehart7075]

I like eddie and thor. I love Brian. But Z is the goat and it isn't close.

[@TylerSmithMusic1]

This is by far some of the greatest strongman content that will be watched for years to come by new fans who learn about the athletes as we get further away from their comp days! Thanks for documenting and putting all of it together for us! 🤘🏻

[@MattRhodesSport]

Cheers Tyler, chuffed to get this one in the bag with so many questions answered.

[@TylerSmithMusic1]

@@MattRhodesSport i can see that in your smile throughout the video I’m so jealous! Haha truly an amazing man.

[@amantripathi5787]

He is such a nice person loved the video

[@toddrinehart7075]

Z is very introverted. But I think he is a nice guy.

[@victomakss8925]

This is the best interview of Big Z i ever watched.

[@MattRhodesSport]

Great to hear

[@janoycresva276]

The strongest man who ever lived.

[@charlieseaman9464]

Not strong like Json!!

[@janoycresva276]

@@charlieseaman9464 it sick it piss

[@sweatyguysteve8087]

jason blahino warms up with big Zs max

[@janoycresva276]

@@sweatyguysteve8087 Blason Jaha? Never heard of her.

[@asymptoticspatula]

Looking forward to watching this. Thank you for all your hard work, and thank you Big Z for sitting down for an interview.

[@MattRhodesSport]

He couldn't have been more helpful, top guy.

[@marekmusil880]

I just love how Big Z sincerely talks, its just nice to hear.

[@MattRhodesSport]

Very genuine and open about his career.

[@marekmusil880]

@@MattRhodesSport yes very genuine person, no bullshit, no underestimating no over estimating, no excuses, just facts as they are. "I was stronger then Marius" :)

[@dgundeadforge17]

He gives confidence in my genetics to become stronger. Im lithuanian polish and italian from my mom and french canadian from dad.

[@likeyou3317]

Holly molly, the legend himself, Big Z. I like the insights he gave on IFSA split and Mariusz. Also I had no idea that something like Zydrunas Classic even existed, I can't find any info about it tho.

[@nikubeanz]

check big z youtube channel he has uploaded the 2020 classic!

[@djlane74]

Big Zed, great comeback tale from a very bad injury.. didn't even know that...He never whined about it.

[@MattRhodesSport]

Horrific injury, no idea how anyone can blow both knees out in 2001 and be lifting the Arnold's trophy in 2003

[@kooroshrostami27]

It's amazing how much Big Z's hair color changes in the course of the seasons, it brightens so much in summer. It goes from brown to blonde

[@MattRhodesSport]

Mine just falls out

[@kooroshrostami27]

@@MattRhodesSport haha, that's amazing too, Big Z no hair loss in spite of gear, World's Strongest follicles

[@GA001]

Mate, it’s called dye. His hair used to be the same colour year round in the 2000’s. I can’t believe I’m having to explain this.

[@OdyMeister]

You can see Matt is so hyped to see him in real life.

[@ThorsHammer88]

Great interview, never saw a long form Big Z interview like this.

[@MattRhodesSport]

Thanks Piotr, this was a rare one.

[@benjaminmacintyre349]

The best strongman ever

[@MattRhodesSport]

100%

[@XxVidMakerxX]

Great interview, Matt! Thanks for picking Big Z's brain

[@MattRhodesSport]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@igoryounes3745]

Thank you very much Matt!! Big Z forever!!

[@MattRhodesSport]

Cheers Igor, don't think we 'll see better in our lifetime than this man

[@karsoborn9991]

Zyndrunas is realy a legend , such a good Charakter ,, love him

[@MattRhodesSport]

100%

[@seangentri8878]

Only one minute in and this is so exciting! Amazing job Matt situation these interviews with such legends for your audience, let alone Big Z. I can only imagine the excitement to meet him in person.

[@MattRhodesSport]

Cheers Sean, this was a big one.

[@hankheavy]

The GOAT

[@hojo70]

Z is the GOAT 🐐

[@liltr3w339]

ZYYYYDRUNASS !!!! BEST OF THE BEST !!! SUCH A LAD, LIVING MOTIVATION, PURE ENERGY AND STRENGTH, SUCH A ROLL MODEL !!

[@MattRhodesSport]

100%

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

Awesome interview. My favorite strongman; I am the same age as Big Z and have followed him since I discovered the sport, when he was in his hay-day winning Worlds and the Arnold.

[@MattRhodesSport]

Thank you, some career wasn't it!

[@jdstamm9663]

this is so cool i cant believe that you actually got a real interview with big z. 😲 love the video @ Matt Rhodes Sport. cant wait to see what awesome content you make next. stay fresh and hydrated 😄✌

[@MattRhodesSport]

Thanks for watching

[@danielwright8139]

Wow! What an interview!💪💪

[@MattRhodesSport]

This was a big one :)

[@nmaresch579]

When you asked "when did you first realize you were strong?" Damn... I have seen a lot of interviews but the question is always, when did you get interested in lifting, or fall in love with the gym, or why did you. I hope you understand how exactly perfect this question, and the follow up about age and family is EXACTLY, what we as your subscribers want to know. I watched that two minute segment up til "what did you want to be if not strongman" about 4 times. If I could point to someone why I follow you, it would be that exact interaction. The follow up, and the insight you gave us after the "hard to pronounce Žydrūnas" we have all heard is what makes this channel worth it.

[@shashishekharsingh4652]

These interviews are very genuine. Asking questions that we fans want to ask not some general stuff which everyone already knows.

[@MattRhodesSport]

Thank you, that's what i'm trying to do

[@shashishekharsingh4652]

@@MattRhodesSport And thanks for doing that Matt...!

[@kenlay9366]

Been watching your channel for a while, you are getting some crazy content now! Amazing job man 👍

[@MattRhodesSport]

Appreciate you watching mate

[@Philo68]

Okay. It’s a coffee, a Bourbon and a listen. This is going to be a barn burner!

[@craigtwose4226]

Great interview Matt. Real in depth. Big Z is the G.O.A.T of strongman. Thanks to both for this video. Got a lot of answers to questions I have been wondering about for awhile.

[@MattRhodesSport]

Pleased to hear it mate

[@samotargos5199]

Because of this man Im more excited for Shaw Classic than WSM. GOAT.

[@justcallfrank0089]

Come on z, one more worlds 2022. Let's do it. Legend.

[@williamshine1346]

Great interview with the best ever. Forgot about him coming back from the double knee injuries.

[@MattRhodesSport]

Amazing that he came back so quickly from that horrendous injury!

[@dazman3961]

Wow an hour with the GOAT, great stuff! Already thought this for a while but yea- this is definitely a go-to channel for any Strongman fan 👍

[@MattRhodesSport]

Much appreciated!

[@osricsbruk]

He looks younger now than when he competed! You did well to bag this interview Matt, nice one! 👍

[@MattRhodesSport]

Cheers Jamie, looking in great shape and still huge at 168kg

[@thesweatysock6071]

well done Matt , you handled this interview with good questions , and bigZ was very entertaining , a very inteligent man great interview well done to you and big Z

[@MattRhodesSport]

Thank you very much

[@Ourworldinphotography]

Really enjoyed this interview!! Very informative! Big Z is a legend!!

[@MattRhodesSport]

Cheers Blair, he sure is.

[@TL13579]

Very enjoyable interview

[@ijustwannawatchshite]

good stuff matt. thanks!

[@MattRhodesSport]

Thanks mate

[@sencercetinkaya5618]

You are really good at doing interviews Matt. Thank you for bringing this amazing content. Also I am really happy that you asked smith machine question that I have suggested when you asked us what would we ask to him. Loves from Turkey.

[@MattRhodesSport]

Glad you liked it mate!

[@Billy-xh2bc]

Brilliant watch Matt, your knocking it out the park with your content mate. Did he break your wrist with the handshake at the end haha ?

[@MattRhodesSport]

Cheers, wrist is just about ok :) He was sitting at168kg!

[@George_Bland]

Looks like a great experience to interview Big Z himself!

[@Ripplin]

Thank you, Matt! Bringing the goods as usual. Nice surprise. :)

[@MattRhodesSport]

My pleasure

[@jugsy7305]

This is a great interview man, the conversation is flowing on point. 👍 ✌️

[@MattRhodesSport]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mixerm93]

Matt, you must be lifting some weights as well, your chest is getting bigger 💪

[@manuelnaim9206]

You are the best Matt

[@olebjrnbrathen597]

Awesome, my favorite 💪👍

[@dadimadh4528]

Matt, this was absolutely remarkable. An hour+ interview with the strongman G.O.A.T.?! Not sure how you're getting these interviews, but am sure I'd like for you to arrange more. Good on you sir.

[@MattRhodesSport]

Thank you, fair bit of organising but hopefully worth it. very happy to get this one.

[@Fortress333]

Excellent interview.

[@MattRhodesSport]

Thank you

[@Agnes135]

Great interview mate!!

[@MattRhodesSport]

Much appreciated!

[@BakOonLy]

I should have asked : Is Big Z aware that his lifestyle (very healthy food and environment) + mindset are maybe a gamechanger in his career ?

[@MattRhodesSport]

Certainly he attributes a lot to mindset being the difference for him and he told me he believes he has an unusual capacity to absorb huge amounts of protein rather than it just go in and out.

[@Ravishrex1]

Doing so well Matt ! Great interview with the Legend himself

[@MattRhodesSport]

Thanks Edward

[@NEWLYHEWNED]

Fantastic! Well done Mr. Rhodes.

[@MattRhodesSport]

Thank you

[@markovasil1608]

What an amazing video with the GOAT. Awesome insight ❤️

[@MattRhodesSport]

Glad you liked it mate

[@Philo68]

Okay Matt. Mike Burke next - pretty please? His intro to Stromgman, grip strength, the Brian Shaw fallout etc. Make it happen chief!

[@MattRhodesSport]

I'll work on it mate

[@devynwiesner6211]

Yes!!

[@tonyfrost82]

In awe. How can the goat of strongman be so humble? Just another sign of his greatness, the man won every thing multiple times. No sign of bragging etc just a strong guy from a village who conquered the world multiple times. Amazing

[@MattRhodesSport]

100% true mate

[@gibsonatorhb6691]

This was great!

[@MattRhodesSport]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@youtubeconnollyfamily]

Matt you look so funny at the beginning because you look like you’re talking to your hero LOL. I think it’s absolutely awesome. Amazing interview 👍👍

[@MattRhodesSport]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@guanjun1178]

Great interview. A privilege to watch.

[@MattRhodesSport]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@louisbland4203]

You can tell how excited Matt was

[@matttarasek9006]

Great content!

[@MattRhodesSport]

Cheers Matt

[@MollymaukT]

Awesome interview, but a tip Matt. You should start putting time-stamps of the subjects you put on the bio as I hunted the bit where he talked about Mariusz for a bit (didn't have time to watch the whole interview)

[@MattRhodesSport]

I have now although I'm surprised the rest isn't of interest and timestamps aren't actually beneficial to me at all

[@MollymaukT]

@@MattRhodesSport Well I wanted to watch asap in my lunch break. Afterwards I watched the whole thing:P

[@adnanrawashdeh3965]

The CEO of strength world himself 💪💪💪💪💪🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐

[@erebus79]

Great interview.

[@MattRhodesSport]

Thank you

[@michaelmullins1290]

Great interview. You learn fast. Strongmen are cut from a different cloth. The drive the have is amazing. BTW, what are the mics and setup you're using. It's working great.

[@MattRhodesSport]

Thank you. Rode Wireless Go 2 mics

[@nicolakibble]

Thanks Matt - Big Z is my favourite, always has been, always will be 💕

[@MattRhodesSport]

Welcome Nicola. Agreed, he's #1

[@sgt_aokiji_9657]

Awesome 💕

[@eli9478]

This is awesome!

[@MattRhodesSport]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lukebbuff]

Great interview! I would have loved to hear his perspective on Fortissimos and maybe a bit more on the IFSA years but still priceless hearing it straight from the legends mouth

[@MattRhodesSport]

Cheers Luke. Some of the IFSA stuff goes down a rabbit hole which people don't want to discuss on camera

[@lukebbuff]

@@MattRhodesSport Totally fair. I found his thoughts on why he went really enlightening. As a fan (especially a youngish fan who didn’t know what was going on back then) I’m always interested in as much as people are willing to share. Thanks for being what you did!

[@danielmaxwell7827]

His greatest asset besides the obvious and what has been mentioned, is, his balance. It comes natural to him and he has work on it in everything he does..

[@TF-mn1wo]

Thanks matt great content and a huge interview well done, would you also be able to put up timestamps of the questions please?

[@MattRhodesSport]

Done

[@TF-mn1wo]

@@MattRhodesSport you're the man

[@calebgodard4554]

This is just fantastic

[@MattRhodesSport]

Glad you enjoyed Caleb

[@yan3066]

Awesome interview Matt ! I didn't knew he had such a rough beggining in his career. Really nice to have that legend answering our questions. By the way, you didn't picked my question, but yours were far better ! 👌 haha

[@MattRhodesSport]

Cheers, yeah that injury was horrific!

[@ojs9068]

Amazing work Matt, not seen something like this with big Z, ever. I heard he was complaining after the handshake that your grip was too strong...

[@MattRhodesSport]

Thank you. That's definitely what happened after the handshake :)

[@guuspalmero]

Wow, you created a real piece of gold here!

[@MattRhodesSport]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mixerm93]

Another great interview 👌 well done Matt Just one suggestion - can you adjust the mic volume a little bit (I know it's a new piece of kit). Gets quite loud sometimes / decreases sound quality

[@MattRhodesSport]

Yeah i think it was slightly high too, his voice is a little different to most which i think also had an effect

[@yannicgraichen]

I'm going to watch this later on. Commenting for the big zalgorigthm

[@cattycats4]

I am very happy

[@kressskizz]

Super deep and nice interview! I comment to you on big Z's channel, ooops. 😂

[@MattRhodesSport]

Glad you enjoyed it. Big Z and i appreciate your comments on both channels :)

[@kressskizz]

@@MattRhodesSport 😎 Love your feedback 👍🏼

[@BakOonLy]

Huge interview !!!

[@MattRhodesSport]

This was a biggie :)

[@BakOonLy]

@@MattRhodesSport I remember I subscribed to this channel when it was less than 1k subs. Congratulation for all you have accomplished. You really deserve it :)

[@MattRhodesSport]

@@BakOonLy Thanks for supporting the channel, i appreciate it

[@anindohowlader8377]

Miss your strongman contents 😢

[@fredkemp1444]

Oh my gosh! I can't watch this tonight! But it is most certainly on my list for tomorrow!!!

[@MattRhodesSport]

Hope you enjoy Fred

[@fredkemp1444]

@@MattRhodesSport Starting now.

[@fredkemp1444]

Just finished watching Z's interview. Awesome I can't hit the like button enough. I would have loved to hear his thoughts on Mateusz K. Will Mateusz heal up and have longevity??? Would be my question. Also not only do I have a love and respect for these guys strength! But the fact they also find time to learn multiple languages amazing.

[@williamshine1346]

Would love to see video of his seated BNP training.

[@Zero-xl8dt]

Good research prior to interviewing

[@pbkimblee1858]

Do you plan on interviewing Thor in the near future and asked him about why he never came out with the 2017 wsm response?

[@MattRhodesSport]

Hope to at some point, travel restrictions making things difficult

[@pascalblackmore8098]

He is such a fantastic guy

[@arsen2506]

Fun Fact: Big Z speaks Russian

[@benis87]

Ofc he is from Lithuania we almost all speak russian

[@combinemax]

Fun fact: big z can speak any language

[@toddrinehart7075]

@@benis87 I've spoken to several Lithuanians and they said the USSR didn't force Russian in the Baltics like the other republics. What is your experience?

[@benis87]

@@toddrinehart7075 they didn't Force learning russian but the culture and the inviroment was Russian. Eg. There would be food labels in russian, books in russian. I would compare this to present times where most people speak english even though it's not their first language they weren't forced to they had to know english to succeed in work/business and to understand the things that are going around the world, even watch youtube videos.

[@toddrinehart7075]

@@benis87 thank you