I wasn’t exactly the poster child for sport growing up. In fact, I was the opposite - I was a nerd. Back then, sport just wasn’t my thing.
That all changed when I was 19. I started playing rugby, and that passion slowly but surely took over my life. Then it turned into something else entirely. Now, I’m one of the world’s strongest men. It still feels surreal, especially knowing where it all began.
My introduction to the world of Strongman came through the gym I was training at. They were hosting Worthing’s Strongest Man, and I thought, why not give it a try? At the time I was playing professional rugby, but the lifestyle was too hard to balance with family life. Eventually, I had to make a decision, and Strongman took the lead. I haven’t looked back since, and that was 10 years ago now.
Away from the sporting arena, I’ve been part of Southern Railway since I was 21. I did a brief stint in college, but like a lot of people that age, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. When a job opened up at Southern Railway, it appealed to me as something hands-on and practical. I’ve been here ever since.
Today, I work as a materials controller at the Selhurst depot. If something breaks or needs replacing, it’s my job to work with suppliers and make sure we’ve got the parts to fix it. It’s a role that keeps me grounded - it’s hands-on, it matters, and I take a lot of pride in it.
Southern Railway isn’t just my workplace. It’s also how I get to competitions, how I take my family out on day trips, and how I explore some of my favourite spots across the network. One place that really stands out for me is the Royal Albert Hall. I competed there in the Strongman Classic with Giants Live. The sound of the crowd is like nothing you’ve ever heard. You can even get 2-for-1 venue tours there with a Southern ticket - not a bad perk.
Another favourite of mine on the Southern network is Cielo Cakery in Brighton. It’s close to the station, and yes, I’ve got a sweet tooth. It’s my go-to when I’m feeling indulgent. Just down the line in Falmer is the Amex Stadium - home to my team, Brighton & Hove Albion. I’m a regular there. I even caught the Rugby World Cup there, too.
Balancing work, family life, and professional Strongman training is definitely a challenge. But it’s my life, and I love it. I wear a lot of hats: I’m a dad, a husband, a railway worker, a Strongman competitor. I’m trying to be great at all of them. It’s not easy, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
A typical day for me? I’m up at 6am. I work my shift at Southern. Then I come home and spend quality time with my kids, playing, laughing, just being dad. Then it’s off to the gym in the evening to train. It’s tiring, no doubt, but if you want something badly enough, you find a way. This is what I want: to compete, to improve, to push myself. So I do it.
My kids are at the heart of everything. I want them to grow up with health and fitness as a normal part of life, not something they dread or feel forced into, but something they enjoy. My son is called Atlas - yes, after the Atlas stones in Strongman, and after the Greek god. Big name, I know. But it fits him. And funnily enough, I’ve started seeing more kids called Atlas as time goes on.
My daughter’s a gymnast, and already showing real strength. Who knows, maybe she’ll become a Strongwoman one day. Whatever she chooses, I’ll always support her. That’s the role I take most seriously: being a dad who shows up. The best moments are not always on the podium. For me, it’s after a competition ends, when my kids run towards me. That’s what gets me in the throat.
This year, I’m heading to California for my first ever World’s Strongest Man competition. It’s huge, not just for me, but for my whole family and they’ll be coming with me. It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of us, and I want them by my side.
People often ask if I get nervous. The answer is yes - especially right before the first event. That moment before it all kicks off is nerve-wracking. But once it starts, I’m in it. The nerves turn to focus. By the second or third event, I’ve settled in. It’s all about channelling the energy.
Competing outdoors adds its own twist. In the gym, you can focus on the ceiling. Outside, if you start looking at the clouds, you start moving with them and lose balance. That’s actually why I wear glasses during events, as it helps keep me balanced.
As for the future, I’ll keep going as long as I’m fit and healthy. There’s a window where you can be this big and still be healthy. I’m in that window now, and I’m making the most of it. I love this sport. I love testing my limits.
I’ve had injuries. Both biceps detached. A bulged disc in my neck. That one set me back for three years. But I’m stubborn and I won't quit. Now, I’m finally seeing the progress I should have been making all along.
My motto is “Better than yesterday.” If I’m not moving forward, I stop and reassess. But right now, I’m on track. I’m happy. I’ve still got a lot more to give. So watch this space.
World’s Strongest Man 2025 will be available to watch in the UK on Channel 5 later in the year.