Being the World’s Strongest Man is one hell of a boast, but as Tom Stoltman told talkSPORT, it does have its downsides.
The winner of the 2021, 2022 and 2024 competitions will be defending his title next month when the competition gets underway in Sacramento, California from May 15-18.
Heading there as the man to beat will make things tougher than usual, as will his means of transport.
In conversation with talkSPORT, host Shebahn Aherne asked: “I hope you don’t mind me commenting on the man mountain that you are, but is it true that you actually couldn’t get on the plane today? That’s why we had to put you on the screen?”
“Exactly!” Stoltman replied.
The 30-year-old – born and raised in the Scottish highlands – began competing 13 years ago as a teen and is now at the very top of his game, and is far more familiar with planes than you’d think.
Asked about the heaviest objects he’s lifted, he said: “I’ve pulled a plane, that’s probably up there as one of the heaviest things I’ve ever lifted.
“A 737, it took me to my limit, but I pulled it.”
He continued: “We do that kind of stuff, lifting Atlas stones, lifting logs above my head, just all kinds of different crazy things.
“You have to do about ten to 15 events to be crowned the World’s Strongest Man. And one of them is pulling planes, monster trucks…
“I mean, I’d rather sit on it and go on holiday, but I have to pull it! That’s what we have to do.
“That’s why Strongman is such an entertaining sport for not just the athletes, but for fans. Kids can watch it, adults enjoy it, older people can enjoy it as well.
Stoltman Brothers YouTubeStoltman can’t fly on a normal plane due to his size[/caption]
“It’s a spectacle for everybody to come and watch. And it’s unbelievable to be part of as well.”
To get into shape as the best in the game Stoltman, who is also three-time Britain’s Strongest Man, has to maintain an extraordinary diet.
Nicknamed the Albatross due to his massive wingspan, the Scot is one of the biggest men on the scene, and has his schedule nailed to a tee.
“I eat a lot of food, that’s why I’m normally large,” he explained. “It’s a lot of sacrifice spending time away from the missus or friends, and a lot of discipline, hard work and consistency in the gym.
“I’m in the gym three hours a day, eating every two hours, eight hours sleep, missing night outs, missing time with my friends and just a lot of sacrifice to get to the top of this sport.
“I’m on 8,000 calories [a day] right now, so before I came on I was eating 10 eggs, porridge and some fruit.
“8,000 calories is my day to day, and then towards a competition, I’m up to 10,000 calories.”
Stoltman’s elder brother Luke is also a Strongman and got him onto the scene, which the younger sibling explained helped him through a childhood barrier.
“It’s healthy and I think it’s also very good for the mental side of things as well,” he continued.
“I was diagnosed with autism at a really young age and the gym’s the thing that saved my life and I learned how to talk to people.
“I learned how to do a lot of stuff in my life because of the gym. For me, the gym’s the thing that keeps me active. It’s the only thing I do.
“It keeps me fit. It keeps my brain healthy as well. But it’s one of the things that has changed my life and I know it’s changed a lot of people’s life as well.
“As soon as you step through those doors, the best thing about it is you don’t get judged.
“You can go there, all different shapes and sizes, and you can just achieve your goals because you have these other gym buddies in the gym wanting to help you as well.
“It’s a special feeling to be part of a gym family and gym community.”
