Mark Felix is widely recognized for having some of the largest hands in strongman, with a reported hand span of 13 inches. This exceptional hand size contributes significantly to his legendary grip strength, making him a formidable competitor in various events.
Mark Felix: A Grip Legend
Hailing from Grenada and representing the United Kingdom, Mark Felix is a veteran strongman celebrated not just for his longevity in the sport but particularly for his incredible grip strength. His distinctively large hands are a major factor in his success, especially in events where a powerful grip is paramount.
The 13-Inch Hand Span
Felix's hands are truly extraordinary, with a reported span of 13 inches from the tip of his thumb to the tip of his pinky finger when fully outstretched. To put this in perspective, the average adult male hand span is typically around 7 to 8.5 inches. This considerable difference provides a distinct biomechanical advantage in strongman competitions.
Impact on Strongman Events
The sheer size of Mark Felix's hands, combined with his natural strength, translates into unparalleled performance in grip-intensive strongman disciplines. His hands allow him to secure a superior hold on implements that many other competitors struggle with.
- Atlas Stones: Arguably one of Felix's signature events, his large hands enable him to wrap a significant portion of his fingers around the massive, spherical stones, providing a more secure and powerful grip for lifting them onto platforms. This reduces the chance of the stone slipping, a common challenge for many athletes.
- Farmer's Walk: In this event, athletes carry heavy weights in each hand over a distance. Felix's large grip allows him to comfortably hold onto thick handles, distributing the pressure more evenly across his palm and fingers, which reduces strain and enhances endurance.
- Deadlift (especially Axle Deadlift): While conventional deadlifts rely on back and leg strength, variations like the axle deadlift, which uses a thicker bar, place a much higher demand on grip. Felix's hand size and strength allow him to maintain a secure hold on the thick bar without reliance on straps, a testament to his natural gripping power.
- Apollon's Axle: This specific strongman event, featuring an extremely thick axle (around 2 inches or more in diameter), is a true test of grip. Felix has famously excelled at this, showcasing how his hand size directly benefits his ability to wrap his fingers around the implement effectively.
His remarkable hand size and the resulting grip strength have cemented Mark Felix's status as one of the most consistent and respected strongmen, particularly when it comes to events that challenge the hands and forearms.
