OSWESTRY'S Sam Martin is celebrating after the biggest success of his strongman career so far.
The 32 year old won his weight division at the World Heavy Events Association (WHEA) held in Ireland to be crowned 85kg weight class champion.
Martin, originally from Oswestry and now residing in Nantmawr, described the victory as his biggest to date.
He said: "In Strongman there are two routes you can take - the drug tested side and the untested side.
"I compete in the drug tested side of the sport where we have official drug tests at the end of each competition."
WHEA is the main governing body for the world championships and European Championships with the British branch of the sport ran by the BNSF (British Natural Strongman Federation).
MORE NEWS:
- WATCH: Firefighters tackle early hours silage blaze near Oswestry
- Star striker Louie from Park Hall delighted after Wales under-15 call-up
- Oswestry mum tells of daughter's incredible condition that gives her uncontrollable white hair
The border strongman progressed through the regional qualifiers and British finals to reach European finals.
His rise through the ranks and success is a just reward for years of commitment and investment.
Martin added: "I don't have a coach or sponsors, I just train myself with my own equipment. I've converted an old shipping container into a home gym."
Martin looked back to his success at the European Championships in New Ross in Ireland.
He said: "There were seven events split over the two days. My best event is the overhead log press, where during the competition I managed to break the current WHEA world record. I lifted 131kg from floor to overhead at 85kg bodyweight.
"The World Finals are held in Finland. I did qualify for this but have decided not to travel there this year."
Martin's success is also reward having gone so close to major titles in the past few years having ended second in England's Strongest Man in 2020 and 2021 and runner up in Britain's Strongest Man in 2021.
He said: "I originally played rugby in my younger days but ended up snapping my ACL which took me out of contact sports.
"I got into strongman seriously when I was 30.
"My Initial aims at the moment in the off season is just to get the body back fighting fit for next year and hopefully be in a good place to travel to World Finals if I qualify."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here