Cheick Sanou

Cheick Ahmed al-Hassan Sanou, also known as Iron Biby, is a strongman from Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. As the current world record holder in both the maximum Log Lift and Axle Press, and also the heaviest weight ever pressed overhead, Sanou is regarded as one of the greatest overhead pressers of all time. He is also a four-time World Log Lift Champion and holds the Guinness World record for most overhead presses (of a person) in one minute.

Early life
Cheick Sanou was born in Burkina Faso and was a large child who was bullied at school; he earned the nickname "Biby" at an early age. He had early interests in sprinting, gymnastics, and basketball. At age 17 he attended the University of Moncton, in Canada and earned a Business administration degree. During that period, he began his journey in weightlifting, showcasing exceptional talent early on. In 2013, at age 21, Biby entered and won his first powerlifting competition. Following his achievements in strongman competitions, he acquired the moniker "Iron Biby".

Personal records

 * Log press - 230 kg (507 lb) (World Record) 2023 GL world tour finals
 * Axle press - 217 kg (478 lb) (World Record) 2021 GL Strongman Classic
 * Push press - 260 kg (573 lb) (Unofficial World Record)
 * Strict press - 240 kg (529 lb) (Unofficial World Record)
 * Seated shoulder press - 273 kg (602 lb) (Unofficial World Record/ Heaviest overhead press of all time)

Note: Sanou has also done a 233.5 kg (514 lb) Log press during training

Career achievements

 * 1st Place at the 2018 World Log Lift Championships - 213 kg (470 lb) (tied with Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson and Eddie Hall) broke the African record
 * 1st Place at the 2019 World Log Lift Championships - 220 kg (485 lb)
 * 1st Place at the 2022 World Log Lift Championships - 218 kg (480 lb) (tied with Luke Stoltman)
 * 1st Place at the 2023 World Log Lift Championships - 230 kg (507 lb) broke the World Record
 * 3rd Place at the 2021 Giants Live Strongman Classic
 * 3rd Place at the 2016 Ultimate Strongman Junior World Championships
 * 4th Place at the 2017 Giants Live World Tour Finals
 * 5th Place at the 2019 Giants Live World Tour Finals
 * 1st Place in World Powerlifting Championship (junior class) (2014), both in bench press (217.5 kg) and deadlift (307.5 kg) at age 22