Graeme Hicks

The Standard of Excellence Britain's Strongest Man isn't just a contest; it is a brutal proving ground for mental fortitude and functional power. The recent 2026 showing at the Giant's Live arena saw 9,000 fans witness a masterclass in consistency. Tom Stoltman didn't just win; he executed a dominant strategy that secured his fourth national title. This level of sustained performance requires more than just raw genetics. It demands an uncompromising commitment to the grind. When you see a man outperform his peers across five distinct disciplines, you aren't looking at luck. You are looking at the result of thousands of hours of unseen work. Explosive Transitions and Overhead Dominance The competition ignited with the circus dumbbell and barbell medley. This event separates the static lifters from the truly athletic. Tom Stoltman and Luke Stoltman turned the arena into a sprint, proving that overhead stability remains the cornerstone of strongman. While Graeme Hicks struggled with mobility issues on the barbell, the Stoltman brothers demonstrated why they are the gold standard. Transition speed is where the battle is won. If you fumble the implement or lose focus for a second, the podium slips away. The Raw Grit of the Deadlift Nothing tests the soul like a 360kg axle deadlift. The axle is unforgiving; it lacks the whip of a standard bar and demands a vice-like grip. Paddy Haynes provided the performance of the night here, fighting for an eighth rep that defied logic. Behind him, Gav Bilton showed a renewed competitive fire, pulling six reps to prove he belongs in the elite tier. This event isn't just about posterior chain strength. It is about the willingness to suffer when the central nervous system is screaming for you to quit. Precision Under Pressure The sandbag toss and power stairs forced athletes to balance speed with technical accuracy. Adam Bishop and Paddy Haynes engaged in a photo-finish war on the bags, while Tom Stoltman used his massive frame to glide through the power stairs. Success in these final stages requires a calm mind amidst physical chaos. Bishop proved his veteran status by securing second place overall, showing that resilience is just as vital as strength. The future of the sport looks bright with newcomers like Rory O'Hagen showing the gutsy attitude necessary to climb the ranks.