Strength athletics in the United Kingdom and Ireland

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 practiced 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 Eddie Hall,Terry Hollands,and former competitor Glenn Ross and John Ryan Cappalahan respectively 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.[1]

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.".[2] 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 785 pounds (356 kg) Dinnie Stones, the first man to do so since Donald Dinnie himself a century earlier.[3] 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.

2010s

Year Britain's Strongest Man UK Strongest Man WSM invitees
2019 Graham Hicks Paul Benton Adam Bishop
Mark Felix
Zake Muluzi
Laurence Shahlaei
Luke Stoltman
Tom Stoltman
2018 Eddie Hall (5) Pa O'Dwyer Adam Bishop
Mark Felix
Graham Hicks
Terry Hollands
Laurence Shahlaei
Paul Smith
Luke Stoltman
2017 Eddie Hall (4) Laurence Shahlaei Mark Felix
Eddie Hall
Terry Hollands
Laurence Shahlaei
Luke Stoltman
Tom Stoltman
2016 Eddie Hall (3) Eddie Hall (6) Adam Bishop
Mark Felix
Charlie Gough
Eddie Hall
Terry Hollands
Laurence Shahlaei
Luke Stoltman
2015 Eddie Hall (2) Eddie Hall (5) Adam Bishop
Mark Felix
Eddie Hall
Graham Hicks
Laurence Shahlaei
2014 Eddie Hall Eddie Hall (4) Eddie Hall
Graham Hicks
Ben Kelsey
Terry Hollands
Laurence Shahlaei
2013 Laurence Shahlaei (2) Eddie Hall (3) Mark Felix
Eddie Hall
Graham Hicks
Terry Hollands
Lloyd Renals
Laurence Shahlaei
2012 Laurence Shahlaei Eddie Hall (2) Chris Gearing
Eddie Hall
Graham Hicks
Terry Hollands
Jack McIntosh
Laurence Shahlaei
(injured - withdrew)
2011 Not held Eddie Hall Mark Felix
Rob Frampton
Terry Hollands
Jack McIntosh
Laurence Shahlaei
2010 Not held Glenn Ross (5) Mark Felix
Terry Hollands
Darren Sadler
Laurence Shahlaei
Mark Westaby
Reserve: Rob Frampton

2000s

Year Britain's Strongest Man UK Strongest Man Britain's Most Powerful Man UK Championship (IFSA)/
British Championships (IFSA)
WSM invitees
2009 Not held Jimmy Marku Paul Carter Not held Laurence Shahlaei
Terry Hollands
Mark Felix
Jimmy Marku
Darren Sadler
2008 Jimmy Marku Glenn Ross (4) Not held Not held Laurence Shahlaei
Terry Hollands
Mark Felix
Jimmy Marku
Oli Thompson
2007 Terry Hollands Glenn Ross (3) Jay Hughes Not held Darren Sadler
Terry Hollands
Mark Felix
Jimmy Marku
Mark Westaby
2006 Oli Thompson Glenn Ross (2) Not held Not held Darren Sadler
Terry Hollands
Mark Felix
2005 Mick Gosling Terry Hollands Not held Mark Felix Brian Irwin
Terry Hollands
Mick Gosling
Carl Waitoa (rep. NZL)
2004 Richard Gosling (2) Glenn Ross Not held Not held Adrian Rollinson
2003 Richard Gosling Not held Not held Not held Adrian Rollinson
Eddy Ellwood
Carl Broomfield
Glenn Ross
Richard Gosling
2002 Marc Iliffe Not held Not held Not held Stuart Murray
Gregor Edmunds
Marc Illiffe
David Warner
Mick Gosling
2001 Glenn Ross (3) Steve Brooks Not held Not held Glenn Ross
Rob Dixon
Marc Illiffe
Adrian Rollinson
Andrew Raynes
2000 Glenn Ross (2) Richard Gosling (2) Not held Not held Glenn Ross
Rob Dixon
Brian Bell
Adrian Rollinson


1990s

Year Britain's Strongest Man British Muscle Power Championship UK Strongest Man UK Championship (IFSA)/
British Championships (IFSA)
UK Strongman Docklands Challenge WSM invitees
1999 Glenn Ross Not held Richard Gosling Not held Bill Pittuck Glenn Ross
Bill Pittuck
Steve Brooks
Lee Bowers
Jamie Barr
1998 Jamie Reeves (4) Russ Bradley (2) Adrian Smith (3) Not held Russ Bradley Glenn Ross
Russ Bradley
Frazer Tranter
Lee Bowers
Jamie Barr
1997 Rob Dixon Russ Bradley Adrian Smith (2) Stuart Murray Adam Waldron Robert Weir
Russ Bradley
Brian Bell
1996 Russ Bradley Jamie Reeves (2) Graham Mullins Not held Not held Brian Bell
Bill Pittuck
Forbes Cowan
1995 Forbes Cowan (2) Gary Taylor Dave Miles Not held Not held Gary Taylor
Bill Pittuck
Forbes Cowan
1994 Bill Pittuck Jamie Reeves Tommy Smith Not held Not held Forbes Cowan
Gary Taylor
1993 Forbes Cowan Forbes Cowan Bill Pittuck Not held Not held Gary Taylor
1992 Jamie Reeves Mark Higgins (4) Adrian Smith Not held Not held Gary Taylor
Jamie Reeves
1991 Gary Taylor Mark Higgins (3) Not held Not held Not held Gary Taylor
1990 Adrian Smith Mark Higgins (2) Not held Not held Not held Adrian Smith


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

British Championships (IFSA)

Year Champion Runner-Up 3rd Place Location
2005 Mark Felix Oli Thompson Andrew 'Stumpy' Raynes TBC

UK Strongest Man

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)

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.[4] 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.[5][6]

Year Champion Runner-Up 3rd Place Location Promoter
2014Ben KelseyAdam BishopChris Gearing Northwood Stadium, Stoke-on-TrentUKSC
2013Eddie HallBen KelseyTom Shaw Reading, BerkshireUKSC
2012Paul CarterMike WoodsAdam Bishop Long Marston, Stratford-upon-AvonElite
2012Chris GearingGary GardenerMark Lawson Aylesford, KentUKSC
2011Lloyd RenalsMike WoodsMark Lawson Billingham, TeessideElite
2011Eddie HallTom ShawRob Drennan Colchester, EssexUKSC
2010Eddie HallJay HughesPaul Amor Billingham, Teesside[7]Elite
2010Dean SlaterGary GardenerRob FramptonUKSC
2009 Laurence Shahlaei Mark Westaby Alex Culletto Lichfield[7]Elite/UKSC
2009[8] Terry Hollands Mark Felix Darren Sadler Doncaster DomeColin Bryce/WSM qualifier
2008 Jimmy Marku Dave McAneney Spencer Hyland Lichfield[7]Elite/UKSC
2007 Jimmy Marku Jay Hughes Rob Frampton Lichfield[7]Elite/UKSC
2006 Jimmy Marku Dave Meer Simon R Flint Stoke-on-Trent[7] Elite/UKSC
2005 Adam Townsend Terry Hollands Simon Morton Stoke-on-Trent[7]Elite/UKSC
2005 Eddy Ellwood Mark Felix Oli Thompson Sheffield StadiumIFSA
2004 Eddy Ellwood Andrew 'Stumpy' Raynes Mark Felix TBCTBC
2003 Eddy Ellwood Bill Pittuck Richard Gosling TBCTBC
2002 Bill Pittuck Mick Gosling Ade Rollinson TBCTBC
2001 Bill Pittuck Steve Brooks Andrew 'Stumpy' Raynes TBCTBC
2000 TBC TBC TBC TBCTBC
1999 TBC TBC TBC TBCTBC
1998 TBC TBC TBC TBCTBC
1997 Jamie Reeves TBC TBC TBCTBC
1996 Jamie Reeves TBC TBC TBCTBC
1995 Jamie Reeves TBC TBC TBCTBC
1994 Jamie Reeves TBC TBC TBCTBC
1993 Jamie Reeves TBC TBC TBCTBC
1992 Jamie Reeves TBC TBC TBCTBC
1991 Bill Pittuck TBC TBC TBCTBC
1990 Adrian Smith TBC TBC TBCTBC
1989 Jamie Reeves TBC TBC TBCTBC
1988 Jamie Reeves TBC TBC TBCTBC
1987 Jamie Reeves TBC TBC TBCTBC

Scotland's Strongest Man

Year Champion Runner-Up 3rd Place Location
2020 No Contest No Contest No Contest No Contest due to the COVID-19 pandemic
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 TBC 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 .[9] 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, Landrover Driving experience and off course recognition for SImon Johnston[10] 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
2013 Simon Johnston Owen Lewis Nathan Llewellyn Prestatyn
2012 Simon Johnston Kelvin Gardner Rob Bush TBC
2011 Richard Smith Martin Jones Emil Hodzivic Cardiff
2010 Dale Norris Richard Smith Owen Lewis Cardiff
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[11] 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

Year Champion Runner-Up 3rd Place Location
2012 James Fennelly TBC TBC Kilmore Quay, Ireland
2011 Jonathan Kelly Paul Roberts Richard Looney Derry City, Northern Ireland
2010 James Fennelly Jonathan Kelly Eoin Shanahan Isle of Man
2009 Dave Warner James Fennelly Eoin Shanahan Lisburn, Northern Ireland
2008 Dave Warner Gary Mckelvey James Fennelly Drogheda, Ireland
2007 Dave Warner Gary Mckelvey Brian McMullan Armagh, Northern Ireland
2006 Dave Warner Gary Mckelvey Nigel Troy Letterkenny, Ireland
2005 Brian Irwin Paul Roberts Pat McNamara Belfast, Northern Ireland
2004 Brian Irwin Martin Campbell Stephen Gracey Bangor, Northern Ireland
2003 Martin Campbell Rodney Fullerton Stephen Gracey County Wicklow, Ireland
2002 Phil Porter Martin Campbell Francis Kirby Ballymoney, Northern Ireland
2001 Andrew Sheehan Tom Mulholland Martin Campbell County Wicklow, Ireland
2000 Martin Campbell Mark Yates Frances Kirby Glenarm, Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland (Ulster) Strongest Man/Ulster's Strongest Man

Year Champion Runner-Up 3rd Place Location
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 Pat Dreary 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
2012 James FennellyPaul RobertsNicky Whelan TBC
2011 James FennellyKeith MaherNicky Whelan TBC
2010 James FennellyMartin GallenEoin Shanahan Cork
2009 James FennellyDaniel GannonEoin Shanahan TBC
2008 Jason ReillyDaniel GannonRoss 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

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