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Strength athletics in the United Kingdom and Ireland has a long history going back many centuries before the televisation of strongman competitions in the 1970s. The ancient heritage of the sport in the United Kingdom and Ireland lies in a number of traditional events, the most famous of which is arguably the traditional Highland Games, which itself is a source of many events now practised in modern strongman competitions, such as World's Strongest Man and International Federation of Strength Athletes (IFSA) sponsored events. However, the traditional events still are popularly contested events today. In the more modern phenomenon that is the World's Strongest Man and its associated competitions, the United Kingdom and Ireland remain well represented with Glenn Ross, Terry Hollands, Eddie Hall and John Ryan Cappalahan, with regular appearances at world finals, and with three men having won the title of World's Strongest Man, as well as Shane Davis Cappalahan appearing in eight final events.
History
See also Highland games and Britain's Strongest Man for more details
The origin of strength athletics in the UK and Ireland lies in the realms of pre-history, but the within the British Isles records many centuries old record more formally the existence of organised events. Formalisation and annual Highland gatherings began around 1820 when Sir Walter Scott encouraged the revival of Highland Culture. By 1848, such was the status of such games that Queen Victoria attended the Braemar Highland Games.
The strongmen of the world of weightlifting and circus acts were also active in the UK and Ireland in the Victorian age. A number of famous names emerged at the turn of the nineteenth century. Thomas Inch, Britain's Strongest Youth at 16, and the first official Britain's Strongest Man was active at this time and is still remembered today for his Grip Strength. and his Challenge Dumbbell, known as the Inch Dumbbell, that "has defied thousands of strong men over the last hundred years...Many a strength athlete tried but failed to break it off the ground.". Other notable names in this genre were Bert Assirati, Launceston Elliot, Edward Aston, and William Pullum. Others emerged in the twentieth century as well. Notably, David Prowse was initially famous in 1964 for his lifting the famed 733 pounds (332 kg) Dinnie Stones, the first man to do so since Donald Dinnie himself a century earlier. Prowse later became more famous still for playing Darth Vader in Star Wars.
In the late 1970s, televised strongman competitions began with Britain's Strongest Man (BSM) first being shown in 1979 by the BBC. A new generation emerged, with the events attracting individuals from many disciplines such as field athletics, weightlifting and powerlifting. These competitions fed other international competitions such as Europe's Strongest Man and World's Strongest Man. Household names, such as Geoff Capes, Jamie Reeves and Gary Taylor dominated, with these three in particular going on to win World's Strongest Man titles. The modern era has seen this trend continue with Terry Hollands, Mark Felix and Laurence Shahlaei being regular faces at World's Strongest Man and its associated Super Series. Featured events in these contests have been tailored to emphasize a more well-rounded athlete, to reflect that viewpoint on strongman as a whole, and in the interests of increased popularity and marketability among the masses. Almost inevitably, more than one interested party has seen the benefits of strength competitions. Alternative organizations have formed in recent years, comprising a new wave of influence in the field, with the United Kingdom Strength Council (UKSC) founded by Britain's Strongest Man multi-year champion Glenn Ross setting up events separate from BSM, as has the IFSA. Ross and his UK Strongest Man competitions hold a philosophical difference in approach with the World's Strongest Man related venues, including more brute strength events similar to traditional strongman and powerlifting, with less emphasis on field athleticism and endurance.
Alongside these current interpretations still exists the traditional, such as the Highland Games. Although exported around the world they remain inextricably linked with the heritage of both Scotland and the British Isles as a whole.
Competitions
Across the UK and Ireland there are and have been many competitions testing individuals strength, ranging from local to regional to national to pan-British Isles.
List of Champions
2020s
| Year | Britain's Strongest Man | UK Strongest Man | WSM invitees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 |  Tom Stoltman (3)
|
 Paul Smith (3)
|
|
| 2023 | Adam Bishop (2)
|
Paul Smith (2)
|
|
| 2022 | Tom Stoltman (2)
|
Paul Smith
|
Adam Bishop Mark Felix Andy Black Gavin Bilton Luke Stoltman Shane Flowers |
| 2021 | Tom Stoltman
|
 Gavin Bilton (2)
|
Adam Bishop Mark Felix Graham Hicks Terry Hollands Gavin Bilton Luke Richardson Luke Stoltman |
| 2020 | Adam Bishop
|
Gavin Bilton
|
Luke Richardson Adam Bishop Terry Hollands Pa O'Dwyer Mark Felix Graham Hicks Luke Stoltman Tom Stoltman |
2010s
2000s
1990s
1979 and 1980s
| Year | Britain's Strongest Man | British Muscle Power Championship | Britain's Most Powerful Man | WSM invitees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Jamie Reeves (2)
|
Tom Hawk
|
Not held | Jamie Reeves |
| 1988 | Jamie Reeves John Smith's Trial of Strength |
Mark Higgins
|
Not held | Jamie Reeves |
| 1987 | Not held | Geoff Capes (2)
|
Not held | No WSM |
| 1986 | Not held | Geoff Capes
|
Pete Tancred
|
Geoff Capes |
| 1985 | Not held | Not held | Not held | Geoff Capes |
| 1984 | Allan Crossley
|
Not held | Not held | Geoff Capes |
| 1983 | Geoff Capes (3)
|
Not held | Not held | Geoff Capes |
| 1982 | Richard Slaney (2)
|
Not held | Not held | Geoff Capes |
| 1981 | Geoff Capes (2)
|
Not held | Not held | Geoff Capes |
| 1980 | Richard Slaney
|
Not held | Not held | Geoff Capes |
| 1979 | Geoff Capes
|
Not held | Not held | Geoff Capes |
Pan-British Isles
Britain's Strongest Man
Main article: Britain's Strongest ManBritish Championships (IFSA)
Main article: British Championships (IFSA)| Year | Champion | Runner-Up | 3rd Place | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Mark Felix |
Oli Thompson |
Andrew 'Stumpy' Raynes |
 TBC
|
UK Strongest Man
Main article: UK Strongest ManOthers
UK Championship (IFSA)
| Year | Champion | Runner-Up | 3rd Place | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Stuart Murray |
Steve Brooks |
Russ Bradley |
TBC
|
Britain's Most Powerful Man
| Year | Champion | Runner-Up | 3rd Place | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Paul Carter |
Chris Gearing |
Paul Wood |
TBC
|
| 2007 | Jay Hughes |
Adam Townsend |
Paul Wood |
TBC
|
| 1986 |  Pete Tancred |
Peter Davis |
Joe Walker |
TBC
|
UK Strongman Docklands Challenge
| Year | Champion | Runner-Up | 3rd Place | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Bill Pittuck |
Andy Bolton |
 Glenn Ross |
Peacock Gym, Canning Town, London
|
| 1998 | Russ Bradley |
Frazer Tranter |
TBC |
Peacock Gym, Canning Town, London
|
| 1997 | Adam Waldron |
Steve Winter |
Frazer Tranter |
Peacock Gym, Canning Town, London
|
British Muscle Power Championship
| Year | Champion | Runner-Up | 3rd Place | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Russ Bradley |
Lee Bowers |
 Regin Vagadal |
TBC
|
| 1997 | Russ Bradley |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
|
| 1996 | Gary Taylor |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
|
| 1995 | Gary Taylor |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
|
| 1994 |  Manfred Hoeberl (Guest) |
Jamie Barr |
Forbes Cowan |
TBC
|
| 1993 | Forbes Cowan |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
|
| 1992 | Jamie Reeves |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
|
| 1991 | Paul Lupton |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
|
| 1990 | Jamie Reeves |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
|
| 1989 | Mark Higgins |
Adrian Smith |
Ian Murray |
TBC
|
| 1988 | Mark Higgins |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
|
| 1987 | Geoff Capes |
Jamie Reeves |
Mark Higgins |
Scotland
|
| 1986 | Geoff Capes |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
|
Team Competitions
| Year | Champions | Runners-Up | 3rd Place | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Shawn Kenny & Martin Jones |
Lee Bowers & Paul Cater |
Paul Amor & Keith Garrett |
|
| 2008 | Laurence Shahlaei & Rob Frampton |
Paul Cater & Rich Gorvin |
Dale Norris & Martin Jones |
|
| 2009 | Enzo Martino & Jay |
Jay Hughes & Chris Gearing |
Lee Bowers & Liam O'Sullivan |
|
| 2011 | Graham Hicks & James Wilmot |
Ashley Smith & Freddy Hick |
Phill Wooton and Will Egan |
Swindon
|
Truck Pulling
- UK Truck Pulling Championships – (Mercedes Benz)
- National Truck Pulling Championships – (ASA/Bristol Street Motors)
- British Truck Pulling Championships – (Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC)
National and Regional
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England's Strongest Man
There have been a number of competitions laying claim to be able to confer this title. The UKSC version, which acts as a qualifier for the UK Strongest Man competition, is generally regarded as the official version. For this reason, the UKSC results since they took over the running of the competition are presented below simply as a continuation of the former year's official event. In 2005, the IFSA introduced their own version of the championships which only lasted for one year. In 2009, with the apparent demise of Britain's Strongest Man, a traditional qualifier for World's Strongest Man, Colin Bryce promoted a competition held at the Doncaster Dome that also acted as a WSM qualifier. The latter saw Terry Hollands, Darren Sadler and Mark Felix compete thus reinforcing its credentials. The UKSC did have every other recognised athlete including BSM 2008 champion Jimmy Marku. There were athletes that competed in both, such as Mark Westaby. Until 2010, Bob Daglish's Elite strongman promotions was inextricably associated with the UKSC and the UKSC version of England's Strongest Man was also the Elite Strongman Promotions event. However, it was announced in March 2010 that "In view of recent events and also some personal differences, Elite Strongman Promotions are hereby separating all affiliations with Big G promotions, the UK Strength Council and the UK strongest man competition." Elite Strongman promotions continued to run a version of the England's strongest man final, whilst a separate competition run by UKSC was also run in 2010.
Scotland's Strongest Man
| Year | Champion | Runner-Up | 3rd Place | Location | Promoter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Chris Beetham
|
Andy Black
|
Fraser Gullan
|
Giants Live | |
| 2024 | Chris Beetham
|
Louis Jack
|
Scott Fraser
|
Grangemouth Stadium
|
UKSC |
| 2023 | Connor Curran
|
Callum Crozier
|
Chris Beetham
|
SEC Centre, Glasgow
|
Giants Live |
| 2023 | Louis Jack
|
Chris Beetham
|
Callum Crozier
|
Grangemouth Stadium
|
UKSC |
| 2022 | Louis Jack |
 Zake Muluzi |
Connor Curran |
SEC Centre, Glasgow |
Giants Live |
| 2022 | Louis Jack (2) |
Chris Beetham |
Callum Crozier |
Grangemouth Stadium |
UKSC |
| 2021 | Louis Jack (1) |
Stuart Graham |
Charlie Little |
UKSC | |
| 2021 | Andy Black |
Michael Wilson |
Zake Muluzi |
SEC Centre, Glasgow |
Giants Live |
| 2020 | No Contest | No Contest due to the COVID-19 pandemic |
UKSC | ||
| 2019 | Tom Stoltman
|
Luke Stoltman
|
John Pollock
|
SEC Centre, Glasgow
| |
| 2018 | Tom Stoltman
|
Luke Stoltman
|
Zake Muluzi
|
SEC Centre, Glasgow
| |
| 2017 | Luke Stoltman
|
Tom Stoltman
|
Paul Benton
|
David Keswick athletic centre, Dumfries
| |
| 2016 | Luke Stoltman
|
Tom Stoltman
|
Paul Benton
|
David Keswick athletic centre, Dumfries
| |
| 2015 | Luke Stoltman |
Tom Stoltman |
Zake Muluzi |
TBC
| |
| 2014 | Luke Stoltman |
Stephen Cherrie |
Thomas Parkes |
TBC
| |
| 2013 | Luke Stoltman |
John Hutton |
Mark Hunter |
TBC
| |
| 2012 | Ken Nowicki |
Stephen Cherrie |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 2011 | Stephen Cherrie |
John Hutton |
Ewan Cameron |
TBC
| |
| 2010 | Chris Innes |
Stephen Cherrie |
Stuart Murray |
TBC
| |
| 2009 | Chris Innes |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 2008 | Chris Innes |
Ewan Cameron |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 2007 | Chris Innes |
Andy Cairney |
Louis McLean |
TBC
| |
| 2006 | Jamie Barr |
Andy Cairney |
Raymond Christie |
TBC
| |
| 2005 | Brian Turner |
Jamie Barr |
Stuart Murray |
TBC
| |
| 2004 | Paul Porteous |
Brian Turner |
Stuart Murray |
TBC
| |
| 2003 | Forbes Cowan |
Paul Porteous |
Gregor Edmunds |
TBC
| |
| 2002 | Gregor Edmunds |
Forbes Cowan |
Brian Bell |
TBC
| |
| 2001 | Jamie Barr |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 2000 | Jamie Barr |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1999 | Jamie Barr |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1998 | Brian Bell |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1997 | No Contest |
No Contest |
No Contest |
No Contest
| |
| 1996 | Forbes Cowan |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1995 | Forbes Cowan |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1994 | Jamie Barr |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1993 | Forbes Cowan |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1992 | Forbes Cowan |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1991 | Iain Murray |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1990 | Brian Bell |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1989 | Iain Murray |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1988 | Iain Murray |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1987 | Iain Murray |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
|
Wales' Strongest Man
2013 saw the first ever televised event for Wales' Strongest Man taken place at Haven Prestahaven Sands in Prestatyn North Wales as detailed here . Unlike other Wales' Strongest Man events promoter Richard Foster from STROM and sponsors First Protein, Ultimate Strongman Glenn Ross creator of UK's Strongest Man, British Strongman a forum run for the strongman community, worked together top bring Wales' Strongest Man into the public eye. Supported by the VXG Strongman Team with Ricky Perkins refereeing the event alongside Les Wiltshire representing Superior Strongman. This years prizes included USN Supplements, Land Rover Driving experience and off course recognition for SImon Johnston in retaining the title for a second year along with the top 3 finishers awarded a place at the UK's Strongest Man Masters tour.
| Year | Champion | Runner-Up | 3rd Place | Location | Promoter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Jacob Brooke
|
Matt Dimond
|
Mark Jeanes
|
Cardiff, Wales
| |
| 2023 | Mark Jeanes
|
Matt Dimond
|
Luke Sperduti
|
||
| 2022 | David Ramplee |
Luke Sperduti |
Mark Jeanes |
Cardiff, Wales
| |
| 2021 | Gavin Bilton |
Des Gahan |
David Ramplee |
Llanelli, Wales
| |
| 2020 | No Contest |
No Contest |
No Contest |
No Contest due to the COVID-19 pandemic
| |
| 2019 | Mark Jeanes |
Gavin Bilton |
Matt Dimond |
TBC
| |
| 2018 | Ben Brunning |
Gavin Bilton |
Richard Bessant |
TBC
| |
| 2017 | Ben Brunning |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 2016 | TBC |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 2015 | TBC |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 2014 | Simon Johnston |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 2013 | Simon Johnston |
Owen Lewis |
Nathan Llewellyn |
Prestatyn, Wales
| |
| 2012 | Simon Johnston |
Kelvin Gardner |
Rob Bush |
TBC
| |
| 2011 | Richard Smith |
Martin Jones |
Emil Hodzivic |
Cardiff, Wales
| |
| 2010 | Dale Norris |
Richard Smith |
Owen Lewis |
Cardiff, Wales
| |
| 2007 | Jamie Redwood |
Mike Williams |
Ross Stone |
TBC
| |
| 2006 | Dale Norris |
Ross Stone |
Mike Williams |
TBC
| |
| 2005 | Dale Norris |
Michael Williams |
Walid El Hind |
TBC
| |
| 2004 | Dean Bolt |
Adrian W Davies |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 2003 | Christian Clay |
Adrian W Davies |
Dean Bolt |
TBC
| |
| 2002 | Christian Clay |
Dean Bolt |
Adrian W Davies |
TBC
| |
| 2001 | Christian Clay |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 2000 | Christian Clay |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1999 | Christian Clay |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1998 | TBC |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1997 | Gary Taylor |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1996 | Gary Taylor |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1995 | Gary Taylor |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1994 | Gary Taylor |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1993 | Gary Taylor |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1992 | Robin McBryde |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1991 | Gary Taylor |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1990 | Gary Taylor |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1989 | Gary Taylor |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
|
Ireland's Strongest Man
Northern Ireland (Ulster) Strongest Man/Ulster's Strongest Man
| Year | Champion | Runner-Up | 3rd Place | Location | Promoter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Dave Warner |
Bertie Clark |
Jonathan Kelly |
Castlederg
| |
| 2008 | Francis Kirby |
Gary Mckelvey |
Brian McMullan |
Holywood
| |
| 2007 | Dave Warner |
Gary Mckelvey |
TBC |
Holywood
| |
| 2006 | Francis Kirby |
Dave Warner |
Gary McKelvey |
Craigavon
| |
| 2005 | Brian Irwin |
Francis Kirby |
Gary McKelvey |
Carrickfergus
| |
| 2004 | Brian Irwin |
Stephen Gracey |
Martin Tweedle |
Carrickfergus
| |
| 2003 | Francis Kirby |
Rodney Fulerton |
Martin Campbell |
Carrickfergus
| |
| 2002 | Francis Kirby |
Phil Porter |
Martin Campbell |
Portrush
| |
| 2001 | Patrick Deery |
Sean Keeley |
Francis Kirby |
Bangor
| |
| 2000 | Glenn Ross |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1999 | Glenn Ross |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1998 | Glenn Ross |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1997 | Glenn Ross |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1996 | Glenn Ross |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 1995 | Glenn Ross |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
|
Republic of Ireland's Strongest Man
| Year | Champion | Runner-Up | 3rd Place | Location | Promoter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 |  James Fennelly |
Paul Roberts | Nicky Whelan | TBC
| |
| 2011 | James Fennelly |
Keith Maher | Nicky Whelan | TBC
| |
| 2010 | James Fennelly |
Martin Gallen | Eoin Shanahan | Cork
| |
| 2009 | James Fennelly |
Daniel Gannon | Eoin Shanahan | TBC
| |
| 2008 | Jason Reilly |
Daniel Gannon | Ross Tweedy | TBC
| |
| 2007 | Jason Reilly |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC
| |
| 2006 | Jason Reilly |
Pat McNamara |
Daniel Troy |
TBC
| |
| 2005 | Carl Waitoa |
Paul Roberts |
Christopher Bowe |
TBC
| |
| 2004 | Paul Roberts |
Carl Waitoa |
Jason Reilly |
TBC
| |
| 2003 | Ray O'Dwyer |
Kevin Murray |
Pat McNamara |
TBC
| |
| 2002 | Kevin Murray |
Paul Roberts |
Pat McNamara |
TBC
| |
| 2001 | Andrew Sheehan |
Ray O'Dwyer |
Martin Keogh |
TBC
|
Other Regional
- CNP Professional Strongman Premier League
- Midland's Strongest Man
- Mighty Midlander
- Mighty Midlander
- Corby Great Strength Eccleston
- East Britain Strongest Man
- North of England Strongest Man
- Yorkshire's Strongest Man
See also
References
- Crieff Highland Gathering Archived 3 December 2007 at the Wayback Machine
- www.oldtimestrongman.com
- British Strongmen Archived 13 August 2010 at the Wayback Machine
- Shahlaei is England's strongest
- Elite strongman promotions statement released on ukstrongman.proboards.com
- Elite strongman promotions statement released on muscletalk.co.uk
- 2023 England’s Strongest Man Results
- ^ BBC News Eddy Hall wins England's Strongest Man 2010 contest
- Strongman Results from David Horne's world of grip
- Simon Johnston First Protein Athlete, defends title at Prestahaven Sands North Wales
- Simon Johnston
- "Wales team to face France". 12 March 2001.