WORLD STRONGMAN
International Union
INTERNATIONAL UNION

GOVERNING
THE STRENGTH

The premier global body for Strength sports, fostering excellence and heritage across the world.

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BREAKING NEWS — Leadership Change at World Strongman

World Strongman has announced a leadership change following a unanimous decision by its Executive Committee.

Vladislavs Redjkins has been appointed Acting President of World Strongman, replacing Mr. Vladimir Burdun, who has been removed from the position due to governance violations, misuse of federation resources, and actions damaging to the sport’s reputation.

New Acting President of World Strongman

“Our priority is transparency, accountability, and the protection of the sport’s integrity. The upcoming months will focus on a full review of all federation operations, finances, and partnerships,” — said Acting President Vladislavs Redjkins.

Strategic Priorities for the Future:

  1. Strengthening International Governance — Updating internal regulations, ensuring compliance with AIMS, Olympic values, and WADA Code.
  2. Expansion of Global Events Calendar — Launching new international competitions and strengthening national federations’ capacity.
  3. Development of Para-Strongman — Implementing the signed MOU with the Asian Paralympic Committee, integrating para-athletes into the global ranking system.
  4. Commercial Partnerships — Attracting sponsors and partners aligned with WSM’s clean sport policy.
  5. Digital Transformation — Launching an upgraded official website and secure communication systems for member federations.
  6. Athlete Education & Anti-Doping — Implementing multilingual education programs in partnership with the International Testing Agency.

Key actions under way:

  • Legal review of unauthorized use of WSM digital assets and the domain worldstrongman.com (not the official site).
  • Financial audit of claimed 2024–2025 investments — early findings indicate inflated costs and hidden profits.
  • Verification of UAE Golden Visas issued under WSM’s name — over 20 granted, many to individuals with no direct link to the strongman sport.

Official Websites:

worldstrongman.org (primary)
strongmansport.org (backup)
(The domain worldstrongman.com is not affiliated with WSM and is controlled by a private individual.)

Executive Committee Removes President Vladimir Burdun

The Executive Committee of the World Strongman International Union (WSM) has officially announced that Mr. Vladimir Burdun has been removed from his position as President, effective immediately.

🔥 Decision of the Executive Committee

Executive Committee Removes President Vladimir Burdun

During an extraordinary session held on August 5–6, 2025, the Executive Committee unanimously voted to terminate Mr. Burdun’s mandate due to:

  • Repeated violations of the WSM Constitution

  • Unauthorized control attempts over WSM’s digital assets and public image

  • Disruptive conduct toward international partners, including AIMS and the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC)

  • A complete withdrawal from presidential duties, publicly declared by Mr. Burdun himself

 

👤 New Leadership Appointed

In response, the Committee has appointed Mr. Vladislavs Redjkins, WSM Secretary General, as Acting President until the Extraordinary General Assembly in December 2025, when a new President will be elected.

🌍 Commitment to Global Standards

WSM reaffirms its full alignment with:

  • The Olympic values and principles

  • The WADA Code and anti-doping compliance

  • Ongoing cooperation with AIMS as part of its recognition process

  • Strategic partnership with the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) in the development of Para-Strongman

  • This decision ensures the stability of the upcoming World Strongman Championship 2025

Legacy and Future Continuity

The World Strongman International Union reaffirms that its mission transcends individual leadership. Our organization remains the sole legitimate custodian of the sport’s global heritage, built over decades of international collaboration. We assure our athletes, national federations, and global partners that the transition process is being handled with the utmost transparency and adherence to international sports law. The upcoming General Assembly in December 2025 will mark a new chapter, ensuring that the development of Strongman and Para-Strongman continues under a leadership fully committed to transparency, integrity, and the Olympic spirit.

Trademark and Logo Update

In addition to these leadership changes, the Executive Committee informs partners and fans of a potential temporary update to the organization’s visual identity. It has come to light that Vladimir Burdun, utilizing his previous position, registered the current logo as a personal Trademark (TM) under Class 41 in the UAE. Despite these legal maneuvers, our organization remains fully committed to continuing the long-standing history of world strongman sports. We are focused on athletic excellence and the development of our athletes rather than bureaucratic disputes, and we stand ready to refresh our branding to protect the Federation’s integrity and future.

📄 Download full press release:
🗂 English Version (PDF)
🗂 Русская версия (PDF)

📧 For official communication: gensec@worldstrongman.org

P.S. About WSSF read here 

Executive Committee Removes President Vladimir Burdun

World Strongman and Asian Paralympic Committee Forge Historic Partnership to Advance Para-Strongman Sport Across Asia

Dubai, May 28, 2025 — World Strongman International Union (WSM) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) to promote and institutionalize para-strongman sport across the Asian continent. This landmark collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between WSM General Secretary Vladislavs Redjkins and APC President Majid Rashed.

The agreement outlines a comprehensive framework to develop para-strongman as an inclusive and competitive discipline within Asia. Key initiatives include:

  • Establishing standardized competition regulations, equipment specifications, and safety protocols tailored for para-athletes, ensuring alignment with international standards.
  • Organizing the inaugural World Para-Strongman Championship for Wheelchair Athletes, scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates.
  • Developing athlete classification systems in harmony with the broader Paralympic structure to facilitate fair and competitive participation.
  • Promoting para-strongman among youth, expanding its reach to clubs and sports academies, and providing specialized training for coaches, judges, and event organizers.

A joint working group will be established to oversee the implementation of these initiatives, ensuring a high level of organizational quality and adherence to the agreed-upon standards.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to make strength sports accessible to all,” said Vladimir Burdun, President of World Strongman. “By collaborating with the Asian Paralympic Committee, we are opening new avenues for para-athletes to showcase their strength and determination on an international stage.”

APC President Majid Rashed echoed this sentiment, stating, “Our collaboration with World Strongman reflects a shared commitment to inclusivity and excellence in sports. Together, we aim to empower para-athletes across Asia and provide them with the opportunities they deserve.”

This partnership underscores both organizations’ dedication to fostering inclusive sports environments and expanding opportunities for para-athletes throughout Asia.

For more information, please visit APC website .