Janne Virtanen

Janne Virtanen (born 16 November 1969) is a Finnish former strongman who won the World's Strongest Man championship in 2000. He was runner-up in 1999 and finished third in 2001. His other championships include four-time Finland's Strongest Man (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001), Helsinki Grand Prix, and the Turkey Grand Prix in 2002 in Istanbul. He also won second place in Europe's Strongest Man twice, third place in World Muscle Power Classic and won World's Strongest Team four times with Jouko Ahola, Pasi Paavisto and Juha-Matti Räsänen.

Following his second consecutive failure to reach the final of the World's Strongest Man in 2007, he announced his retirement but entered into the third qualifying heat of the competition in 2008 as his last appearance.

He currently works as a heavy duty carpenter in Finland.

Personal Records Deadlift (raw with straps) – (2001 World's Strongest Man, group 4) and (during training) Log press – (2002 IFSA Turkey Grand Prix) Axle press – (2009 Strongman Super Series Romania Grand Prix) Keg Toss – over (2000 Beauty and the Beast) Celtic cross carry – for (2000 IFSA Ireland Grand Prix) (World Record)

Completed contests 1999 World's Strongest Man - Valletta, Malta - 2nd place 2000 World's Strongest Man - Sun City, South Africa - 1st place 2001 World's Strongest Man - Victoria Falls, Zambia - 3rd place