Tom Stoltman crowned Britain’s Strongest Man of 2021

On Saturday 23 October, a raucous crowd at the Utilita Arena Sheffield watched Tom Stoltman storm to his first-ever Britain’s Strongest Man title.

The contest was littered with some of the sport’s most star-studded names, such as legendary veteran Mark Felix, former winners Graham Hicks and Adam Bishop, and the entertaining Pa O’Dwyer. But the Stoltman Brothers, Luke, 36, and Tom, 27, were arguably the pick of the bunch at the start of the evening, with the latter claiming this year’s title.

The evening began with the Dumbbell Medley, which included lifting five giant dumbbells increasing in weight from 80kg to 120kg overhead. After the first event was won by Luke Stoltman, the competitors moved onto the 400kg Yoke Race, where Adam Bishop took top spot. But Tom Stoltman dominated the three remaining events, winning the 350kg Axle Deadlift for Reps, the Loading Race, and the Atlas Stones.

Such a performance only underlines his outstanding ability across the field, and at only 27, there is no doubt he will be hungry for more titles in the coming years

Adam Bishop, Britain’s Strongest Man of 2020, ran Tom Stoltman close on several events, finishing second behind the Scotsman. Former Britain’s Strongest Man Graham Hicks claimed the remaining podium place in third, ahead of Luke Stoltman in fourth.

Pa O’Dwyer finished in fifth place, only just ahead of the impressive 55-year old Mark Felix due to a tie-break.
Current England’s Strongest Man Shane Flowers finished in seventh, Paul Smith in eighth, Andy Black in ninth, and Welsh newcomer Desmond Gahan in tenth.

It’s been a year to remember for the Stoltman family. Tom Stoltman now has two contest victories for 2021, winning both Britain’s Strongest Man and the World’s Strongest Man. His older brother, Luke, hasn’t had a bad season either, winning the Giants Live World Tour finals and the title of Europe’s Strongest Man.

The evening concluded with a wonderful interview with the Scottish brothers, surrounded by their respective partners and their proud father. Their place at the top of the sport has only been cemented thanks to this year’s competition, but Tom Stoltman is largely expected to dominate the sport in the future.

Such a performance only underlines his outstanding ability across the field, and at only 27, there is no doubt he will be hungry for more titles in the coming years.