A two-time World’s Strongest Man, Tom Stoltman is no stranger to challenges most of us could never dream of, like towing big trucks and planes and hauling cars.
The 6-foot-8-inch athlete, who now weighs 185 kg (29th 2 pounds), became the 10th competitor to win twice and defended his victory in last year’s World’s Strongest Man contest.
Born in Invergordon, Scotland, the 27-year-old defeated Ukraine’s Oleksiy Novikov in the decisive Atlas Stones event.
Stoltman’s signature event, lifting five stones in 25.76 seconds to win.
The contest was filmed in Sacramento, California in May of this year, but will be broadcast in the UK at Christmas.
In the new Sky News podcast, Stoltman discusses his autism diagnosis and his views on the need for better education.
“This is a big problem in the UK right now and I think we need to be educated and get more support,” he said.
Speaking to Niall Paterson, host of the Three Wishes series of Sky News Daily podcasts, Stoltman said:
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He began training strongman in his teens after his older brother Luke, who also competed in international competitions, encouraged him to join the sport.
“The gym has mirrors and people are looking at you, so I thought it was going to be my worst nightmare..I was so, so scared and I was just a timid boy.
“But in the first few months, I felt more confident. I was able to talk to people. I started to see changes in my body. started to become.”
Stoltman was diagnosed with autism at the age of five, but he says it made him very shy and never went anywhere without his parents. However, he now believes he needs a routine for his success.
“I think my autism ruled me before I even stepped foot in the gym… Autism needs a routine and you have to do the same routine every day. This is what the gym gives you.
Initially, her autism made it difficult for her to perform in public, but now she uses that fear to her advantage.
“Now, if people are chanting my name, I use it to get a real adrenaline rush.”
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Producers: David Chipakpak and Alice Bowen
Junior Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John
Additional writings: Rosie Gillott, Soila Apparicio
Editors: Paul Stanworth, Philly Beaumont
