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'The most gentle of giants': Invergordon's own takes silver at the World's Strongest Man competition in the USA!


By Louise Glen

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A heavy weight competitor from Ross-shire has made it into the history books.

Tom Stoltman, known professionally as the Albatross, said he was on "cloud nine" after taking second place in one of the world's most prestigious strongman competitions.

Mr Stoltman (26) from Invergordon, who trains with his brother Luke at their specially built fitness centre in his home town, was named in second place – believed to be the first Scot to get onto the podium.

It was Oleksii Novikov, from the Ukraine, who took the coveted World’s Strongest Man title on Sunday afternoon in the annual competition held in Bradenton, Florida, with Mr Stolman being named in second place. Canadian JF Caron took the third prize.

Novikov broke the world record in the partial dead lift while lifting a 1,185-pound bar around18 inches off the ground, which propelled the Ukrainian to the 2020 World’s Strongest Man title.

Mr Stolman said he was delighted with his win: "This means everything to me. I had a really tough group and events I wasn't the best at, but have been making them better!

"To qualify for the finals and knock some big names out was a massive boost!

"I had a three event win in the final.

"Taking silver is an amazing feeling. Even one slip up could of cost me the entire competition.

"I can hardly believe it, I am on cloud nine with second place."
However, Mr Stoltman explained that this year was very unusual due to covid restrictions, he said: "It is bitter sweet not having my wife Sinead or my dad here in America, but I did it for them and in memory of my mum and everyone back home."

He said: "The next stop is Britain's Strongest Man in January. 2021 going to be huge, and already a lot of doors have opened for me to go even further in the competitions."

Friends and family of Mr Stoltman have been paying tribute to his hard work and determination.

Brother Luke, who is also at the competition in the USA, said: "Just WOW. Tom Stolman you are incredible.

"Doing what you have done is something so many of us dream about.

"Proud doesn’t even come close. Lost for words at what to say. Just doesn’t come close to how I am feeling for you!

"Huge well done for every athlete competing this year especially to JF Caron for his podium finish and to the new world's strongest man Oleksii Novikov."

Personal trainer Kieran Dear, owner of Fit Ness praised his fellow sportsman and friend, he said: "In my experience working alongside Tom, Strongman as a sport is often overlooked or plainly ignored. A 26-year-old guy from Invergordon has just finished second in the world! More people in the States are aware of Tom Stoltman unfortunately than they are here!

"Together with his brother Luke, who is also a world class strongman, they own the Stoltman Strength Centre in Invergordon too."

He continued: "Tom is also autistic which makes his achievement so much more impressive and he is an inspiration to so many people. The more people made aware of this achievement the better as ultimately the more people he inspires!

"You couldn't meet a nicer bloke either. My little boy is autistic, and Tom and him are like best friends. He is undoubtedly the most gentle of giants."


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