I saw Slim the Hammerman perform live at a local department store when I was a teenager. It’s good to see he is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
Overcoming difficult obstacles and achieving new milestones are nothing new for world-renowned strongman Lawrence “Slim the Hammerman” Farman.
Farman — who is known for tossing a combined weight of 50 pounds of hammers and other skills — was recently inducted into the York Barbell USA Hall of Fame for his lifelong achievements as a professional strength trainer.
“It means I’m old,” Farman quipped. “It’s like an honor that other guys respect.”
For Farman, 77, of East Coventry, this is one of many culminating achievements to a lengthy successful career. He explained this is not the first time that he has been welcomed into the top of the strongmen ranks.
Several years ago, Farman was inducted into the Association of Oldetime Barbell and Strongmen, adding that to be accepted into both places is a “prestigious” award that is admired by younger athletes.
“I’m one of the few guys that’s in both of them,” Farman said.
He attributes that achievement to extensive training and discipline that dates back decades.
Farman, who has worked with strongmen greats during his career, such as The Mighty Atom and more, said he has made it into the record books with
his feats of strength of throwing two hammers of more than 25 pounds in each hand.
“There’s nobody that comes close,” he said.
Even as recently as October, Farman explained that those competing to break his record fell short, unable to crack holes in his established accomplishments.
But Farman’s attempts to be a great has taken a toll on him, receiving approximately 27 fractures in each hand through hammer throws and more.
Farman explained he wants others to learn the skill he has worked “so hard” to perfect, so others can one day have the opportunity to enter into the hall of fame and set their own records.
Farman has been training other professional strongmen, teaching them how to go beyond their limit and push their strength capabilities.
Although Farman teaches his pupils these skills, he explained the will often times limits how far athletes can push themselves.
“The will lets you be done before the strength,” he said.
Chris Rider, a professional athlete and one of Farman’s students, said it is “definitely an honor” to learn from a strongman master.
“It’s been a very surreal experience,” Rider said. “He’s spent a lot of time on the stage and gotten to work with the greats.”
Rider, 35, of Thomasville, said he met Farman in 2007, and has been working on a number of skills, namely the art of showmanship and how to make the demonstration better for the audience.
Because of Farman’s lessons, Rider explained it has helped his demonstrations and shows.
“When you’re on the stage, it is all for the audience,” he said.
