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00:00Hello, everybody, and welcome to Sacramento, California,
00:29state capital and venue for this year's World's Strongest Man finals.
00:34Pretty soon, 25 of the most gargantuan gentlemen anywhere on the globe
00:38are going to be a gathering here in search of glory.
00:41But before they do that, they've got to book their places
00:43via the Giants Live qualifying tour.
00:46It's event one today, Britain's Strongest Man,
00:49the oldest, most prestigious national title in the sport.
00:52Previous winners include Jeff Capes, The Beast and Tom Stoltman,
00:56who's going to be adding their name this time around.
00:59I've seen myself study with that gold in my hand.
01:05I'm thinking of it right now.
01:07I've done it since the leader.
01:09I picture myself against someone else every single time.
01:14If you can't see in your mind, you won't manifest it.
01:18For me, it's when I'm, like, falling asleep on a night.
01:21I can feel my heart rate up.
01:23I'm lifting the stones, they're calling out my name.
01:25I'm raising a gold trophy.
01:29To have that gold trophy of Britain's Strongest Man,
01:32I see it every time.
01:34It's just that ability to see that you're kind of good enough again.
01:43It's Britain's Strongest Man.
01:45It just vibrates.
01:47There is nobody in Britain that's stronger than you.
01:49There's not a strong man in this country who doesn't want to be Britain's Strongest Man.
01:54There's so much weight on this title for us, lads.
01:57Everyone here wants to win it.
01:58I certainly want to win it, so that's what I plan to do.
02:00Yeah, I mean, you know, this year, I'm the only guy in the field who knows what it's like to win Britain's Strongest Man.
02:07And, you know, for me, I'm trying to get that third title, really cement myself into British Strongman history.
02:13I think if you're on the podium at Britain's Strongest Man, you are World's Strongest Man finalist.
02:18And I think the whole world will be watching to see what kind of shape we're in.
02:22But I would definitely agree it's wide open.
02:24And could it be my year?
02:26I think it absolutely could be my year.
02:27100% this could be my time.
02:31I really, truly believe that I've got the ability this year to really kind of showcase my strength and to win Britain's Strongest Man.
02:38All things considered current form, I think I'm the favourite.
02:42I don't think anyone can take that away from me.
02:44I've beaten everyone in this line last year, coming back off five surgeries with a few more mums training.
02:49If I don't win this title tomorrow, it's because I've made a mistake.
02:54This is my time.
02:55This is my time.
03:00This is my time.
03:02This is my time.
03:06This is my time.
03:09Again.
03:09As we can see from the lads, time really is of the essence.
03:16We are backstage at the Sheffield Utility Arena.
03:18Moments away from Britain's Strongest Man 2025 getting underway.
03:21Delighted to be joined by Eddie Hall and Elliot to get right into this.
03:24As we saw Adam Bishop looking confident.
03:26Two times Britain's Strongest Man.
03:28Multiple winner.
03:29Is that a factor?
03:30It is a factor.
03:31I mean, Bish is going to have really high confidence coming into this.
03:34But it also adds a lot of pressure.
03:36Being a previous winner of Britain's Strongest Man, all the eyes are on you.
03:39And of course, he wants that title going into Will's Strongest Man because it gives you that confidence going into bigger shows.
03:44On paper, he'd be favorite from an experience level.
03:48A lot of the Strongman community talking about Luke Richardson.
03:51Would he be under pressure having that almost target on his back?
03:54I think Luke's probably my favorite for this show.
03:56And that's just because you can see what he's done in previous shows, what he's doing in training.
04:01He is the youth of the sport right now.
04:04He's the young gun coming up.
04:05And, you know, he's won Europe's Strongest Man in the past.
04:08So, you know, he can win this show.
04:09It's evidently there.
04:11He's got a bit of a demon on his shoulder.
04:13You know, he's had some bad injuries, really bad injuries, which required surgery to get things reattached.
04:18And that's going to be lingering in your head.
04:20So, you might, you know, stuff like that for me, it's going to hold you back that little bit, just giving that 100%.
04:25And that's something that takes years to get over.
04:28We cannot wait for this one.
04:30We've mentioned a few of the athletes.
04:31Let's meet all of them.
04:34Well, let's meet them right now, in fact.
04:36Colin, this is my time.
04:39First up is the reigning Wales' Strongest Man.
04:43They call him Bam Bam.
04:45It's Matt Diamond.
04:47From Alloa in Scotland, making his Britain's Strongest Man debut, Chris Beetham.
04:54They call him Beefy, not to his face.
04:57Andrew Flynn, the flying Flynn.
05:00Just a steam train of a man.
05:02Came second to England's Strongest Man last season.
05:04Two-time Ireland's Strongest Man holds the Irish Log Press record.
05:12A brilliant deadlifter, it's Sean Gillen.
05:17That's Shane.
05:19Flower power, flowers.
05:21He's placed fourth twice before, a fan favourite.
05:25Made his debut here last year.
05:26This guy, former long-distance runner, enjoys the odd double marathon, Paddy Haynes.
05:35And they call him Big Bad Ben.
05:37One of the fastest-improving Strongmen in England right now.
05:41First Britain's Strongest Man appearance tonight, Ben Glasscock.
05:44Two-time Scotland's Strongest Man, known as the Bulldozer, Andy Black.
05:54Also from Scotland, the Highland Oak himself.
05:57Two-time Europe's Strongest Man, Luke Stoltman.
05:59And look who's back.
06:05Bilton's back.
06:06Six-foot-six.
06:07Over 27 stone.
06:10Came so close last year, wants it this year.
06:14And this man comes in off the back of two consecutive podium finishes last year.
06:202020 Europe's Strongest Man, Luke Richardson.
06:24And what would Britain's Strongest Man be without this guy, Adam Bishop?
06:28It is Bish, two-time Britain's Strongest Man champion.
06:32This very much his comeback.
06:34He ruptured his Achilles at World's Strongest Man last year.
06:38And these are your Strongmen.
06:42Curated, hand-selected.
06:44No returns, I'm afraid.
06:47Welcome to the steeplechase medley, and this one is a big one.
06:51The objective is simple.
06:52Walk down this 15-metre course and take a 150-kilogram sandbag
06:57and place it on the plinth at the end there,
07:00navigating your way over the steeple.
07:02That, by the way, is the first of the timing markers.
07:05But you don't just have to do it once.
07:07You have to do it three times.
07:10Three of these colossal bags.
07:12This is going to be a lung buster.
07:14This is going to be a lactic inducer.
07:16And this is going to be very close indeed.
07:20Well, he doesn't make it sound fun, does he, old Radzi?
07:24Well, it isn't.
07:25It's meant to be hard.
07:26This is Britain's Strongest Man, Danny.
07:29Well, our first three men.
07:31Diamond, Black, Glasscock.
07:34They were first up.
07:36Good stuff from Glasscock.
07:38Managed all six in under a minute.
07:41And a very fit man.
07:43That shows you how hard it is.
07:44Diamond, I'm afraid, did five in the six in 48.
07:48And Big Andy, five in one minute and ten.
07:51And he was out of puff.
07:53And all our competitors know how important it is to place today.
07:58If they're in the top three at the end,
07:59they will qualify for World's Strongest Man.
08:03Which would be great for Chris Beefy Beetham.
08:07That's his actual nickname.
08:08I didn't just invent that.
08:09And from Banbury,
08:12Paddy Haynes,
08:13third in England's Strongest Man.
08:17He's very fast, Paddy Haynes.
08:19Very athletic as well, as he's desperate to show.
08:24And Sean Gillan,
08:26two-time Ireland's Strongest Man.
08:30Big man, Sean.
08:32This is going to be hard for him.
08:33He's just carrying that extra bulk at 160-odd kilos,
08:36350 pounds in weight.
08:38Oh, it's Paddy Haynes.
08:39He's lean and mean.
08:41I expect him to do a really good time here.
08:45Very long-armed, good deadlifter as well.
08:46Yeah, he's in the lead at the moment.
08:49No problem at all.
08:51Gillan doing well as well, though.
08:52Look at the speed that Paddy Haynes is bringing to the table.
08:56Really means business.
08:57He wants to launch this as far as he can.
09:01Yeah, it's a good trick, isn't it?
09:03The further you get it down the course, the better.
09:05It doesn't go that far, though, let's be honest.
09:08Now, then, Paddy Haynes back for his last one.
09:10Gillan still holding second.
09:11Beetham, the Scotsman, on the far side, struggling a bit here as he goes for his fourth.
09:18Well, if Haynes was showing any signs of tiring, he's making up for it.
09:25On it goes.
09:27Yes.
09:27And that's a fast time.
09:31Faster so far, 47 seconds.
09:33That's going to be really hard to beat.
09:36Gillan's just the big brown bear's got on his back.
09:39He's in trouble.
09:43Not sure how easy this is to pick up once you've put it down.
09:47This could be Beetham's opportunity, though.
09:49Five seconds.
09:50No, not likely, actually.
09:52Well, both men, it seems.
09:55Beetham on the fifth.
09:58Five in one minute, three.
10:03Five in a faster time for Gillan.
10:05You know, I don't think there's a harder event you can start with,
10:07unless you're someone like Paddy who finished it in a good time.
10:11And he's with Bradsey now.
10:15Paddy, if there was any question about how athletic you are,
10:18you put comprehensively any doubt out of the window.
10:22That was superb.
10:24Yeah.
10:25This is my bread and butter in this sport.
10:26That's, I'm really happy.
10:28There are definitely guys that can beat it, but hopefully that time holds up.
10:32From a conditioning level, how tough is it with the lactic course into your body not to make any errors?
10:37I mean, I've run a lot of marathons in my time.
10:41This is harder.
10:42Good luck, mate.
10:43We can't wait to see you.
10:43Thank you, bro.
10:44Thanks, guys.
10:47The chase is on.
10:48Haynes, the early leader, becoming up more big people doing steeple
10:52as Paddy's rivals take their shot at that top spot,
10:56including two-time Britain's Strongest Man, Adam Bishop.
11:00Welcome back to Britain's Strongest Man in Sheffield.
11:13Back to the action now with Colin Bryson, Danny Wallace.
11:15Well, thank you, James.
11:17James, and yes, it is the turn of Andrew Flying Flynn
11:22against another Englishman Shane Flowers.
11:29And in lane number three.
11:30And completing this line-up in spectacular fashion, as always,
11:34big Gavin Bilton.
11:37Gavin Bilton.
11:39It's always good to see Bilton, isn't it?
11:43Yes, it is, though.
11:45Really the kind of event that you'd think Gab would do particularly well at,
11:48unless he's in tremendous shape.
11:50It's not a huge man's event.
11:52You expect someone like Flowers there in the middle.
11:54Yes, he's doing very well.
11:55And Flynn on the left-hand side,
11:56but right out, big Gab in the lead by a fraction.
12:00Yes, pretty much neck and neck and giant neck.
12:05Tremendous skill.
12:06But the two lighter men.
12:07Making lights a work of it.
12:10Twenty-six-inch neck for big Gab.
12:13And it's Flowers now, yeah.
12:15He made up a lot of time in the sprint back.
12:17Gab lost a lot of time there.
12:19He's starting to slow down a little bit.
12:23I don't think any of these guys are going to beat Paddy Haynes.
12:25He did 47-70.
12:27That's what they're chasing.
12:32Couldn't nip into second, couldn't he?
12:34Flowers.
12:35Gab just looks like he's had enough.
12:37There's a huge breath of air.
12:39Now then, Flowers to finish.
12:42It's tight.
12:43No.
12:45Got to get both hands off.
12:46Well, that's all six in 59.9.
12:48Andy Flynn.
12:49Oh, good Gab sneak in, he does.
12:51Wow.
12:52That's a nice sportsmanship there from Flowers.
12:58Really encouraging Flynn for that literal final push.
13:03Do you see his legs there?
13:04Big Gab, six in one minute and six.
13:06Good effort from Gab.
13:07There's the look of a wounded puppy there.
13:09Oh wow, great stuff from Flowers.
13:14Not as good as we saw from Paddy Haynes and slow and steady from Big Gav.
13:19Now this is to beat Flynn.
13:20There's the puppy look.
13:26On to Luke Richardson then.
13:30He's impressed in the past.
13:33Big weight of expectation on his shoulders though.
13:38As there always is with this guy as well.
13:41Luke Stoltman.
13:43Another Europe's Strongest Man winner.
13:45Representing England.
13:46Radio Bank.
13:47And Adam Bishop.
13:49He's back.
13:51Fighting strong.
13:53Yes, that Achilles.
13:55Horrible snap.
13:56He suffered at World's Strongest Man.
13:59It was a horrifying moment, wasn't it?
14:02He's been plagued by injuries in the past.
14:05He was leading his group in World's Strongest Man and then
14:08he felt something go and then tried to pick it up again
14:11and that was it.
14:12A full rupture of the Achilles tendon
14:15and it wasn't just a matter of out of the contest.
14:18He couldn't walk.
14:20And he had some months of rehabilitation.
14:22It's been really tough for Adam to get back to this position.
14:26To be honest, I'm amazed he's back this early.
14:30That was a big blow for him.
14:32He's had quite a few major injuries.
14:34So it's great to see him back.
14:35Here we go.
14:37What a heat.
14:38But a brutal event to start on.
14:42Yeah, luckily not too high impact though.
14:44It's more just a constant pain here
14:47and more for the lungs than anything.
14:49Bishop starts a little slow
14:50but he's against two Europe's Strongest Man winners
14:53who have yet to win a British title.
14:56I like how you said this wasn't a hard event
14:57apart from the constant pain.
14:59Well, Stoltman, he's 40 now
15:04putting anyone in their 40s to shame.
15:08He's in fantastic shape.
15:11I guess he's got a good training partner
15:12and wee brother
15:13who's not here of course.
15:15No Tom Stoltman.
15:16He is the reigning three times
15:18Britain's Strongest Man
15:19but this is in many ways Luke's opportunity
15:23which Luke isn't though.
15:24Richardson on the far side
15:25looking really good.
15:27His legs starting to wobble there though
15:29and I think Stoltman might get the quick go.
15:31No, he doesn't.
15:31Richardson again.
15:32Well, there's a wobble there
15:36from Richardson.
15:38Stoltman takes full advantage.
15:40Six in 55.
15:41Richardson taking a tumble.
15:44Goodness me.
15:46He's hit the wall.
15:49He's just a couple of yards away.
15:51Come on Luke.
15:52You can finish this one off.
15:53Adam Bishop struggling as well.
15:56Well, he's out of time.
15:58Oh no.
15:59One minute 15.
16:01The whistle goes.
16:01Magnus van Magnussen.
16:03The head ref.
16:04That I'm afraid is not good enough.
16:07Just five for Richardson.
16:09Five also for Adam Bishop.
16:1151.05.
16:13Richardson.
16:15A lot of energy he wasted there.
16:17Yeah, you think about it.
16:1875 seconds of incredible hard work.
16:21He's in lactate hell there.
16:24Is that the word for it?
16:24Lactate.
16:26It's in lactic acid.
16:27Can't milk a strongman.
16:30At least no one's tried.
16:32Well Richardson came so close there.
16:35But not close enough.
16:37Indeed.
16:38Paddy Haynes taking event one and by a massive margin.
16:41Almost eight seconds faster than the rest.
16:43Luke Stoltman second.
16:45While Adam Bishop's off to a disappointing start.
16:47The two-time champ down in ninth.
16:49Others though had it even tougher.
16:50With Andy Black withdrawing now from the event, Luke Richardson was in trouble too.
16:56All right, Sarum, Doctor.
16:57That's great.
16:58Give him a four.
16:58How can I help?
16:59I just feel bad, man.
17:00It's nice to see him double with my head.
17:02I'm pounding.
17:03Okay.
17:05Luke, Eddie Hall's favourite for this year's title.
17:07Instead heading off to get himself checked out.
17:10Our best wishes for the future.
17:12The sandbag steeplechase then claiming two victims.
17:20For the remaining men, the tension builds now as we head back to the arena for event two,
17:24the deadlift ladder.
17:25Here's Colin and Danny.
17:27Well, dramatic scenes here at Britain's Strongest Man.
17:30We're only one event in.
17:33The deadlift ladder is next.
17:35Yes, and they have to tackle these five bars rising from 300 to 380 kilos.
17:41And results so far, only Shane Flowers has done all five.
17:45In 39.59 seconds.
17:50Kevin puts his toys down nicely.
17:52So we move on to Adam Bishop and Sean Gillen.
17:54This is pretty much England's best deadlifter against Ireland's best deadlifter.
18:01The pressure really on Bishop now after, well, not the best of successes in event one.
18:07Synchronised deadlifting so far.
18:08That was quite something.
18:10Oh, Bishop's just gone ahead.
18:14Now there are loud straps and how much you use them is half the battle here.
18:19That's really the tactics.
18:20Bishop now starting to wrap it more so he can hang on to it.
18:23And look how much easier it is to pull, even though it gets heavier.
18:26Well, now Bishop on to the fifth and final one.
18:29Manages it.
18:3030 seconds.
18:31That's great from Adam Bishop.
18:34Unbelievable.
18:35I mean, Gillen's quick.
18:36He's going to be almost as quick as Flowers.
18:38We did 39.59.
18:39That's come and gone.
18:41Once he gets those straps on, this should be no problem for Sean.
18:48Probably not that easy, but he got it.
18:51Managed all five.
18:5349.13 seconds.
18:56This was fast from Adam Bishop.
18:58And he needed that.
19:00Yes, he did.
19:00I could have done a sixth one, he says.
19:06I want to know what I can pull.
19:09Terry Hollands there.
19:11His training partner of old.
19:14Andy Flynn against Big Gav.
19:16Built it all.
19:17Steady, Gav.
19:20I'm Flynn.
19:21Terry Sadler gets them underweight.
19:23Andy Flynn closest to camera.
19:25He is a good deadlifter.
19:26Not using the straps either, Danny.
19:29Neither is Big Gav yet.
19:33Oh, that's a surprise.
19:34Number three.
19:35That's an impressive grip from Andy Flynn, but so too from Gav.
19:40Well, on to the fourth bar.
19:43Taking a little more time now, Andy Flynn.
19:48360 kilograms.
19:50Refusal at the first for Andy Flynn, and Big Gav moves on to number five.
19:59Slow and steady, as he was with the sacks.
20:03Andy Flynn, I think, calls it a day at three quick ones.
20:10Well, double Bishop's time as Bilton.
20:16Oh, goodness me.
20:20Well, that belt was so tight there.
20:23You've seen Big Gav faint before.
20:28He's up on his feet.
20:29He's all right.
20:30Four and 38 seconds.
20:31Wow.
20:32This was the moment.
20:34He is absolutely fine.
20:36Certain ballet quality to his faints.
20:39He even faints well, Colin.
20:40With style, Big Gav.
20:44On to Luke Stoltman and Paddy Haynes.
20:46You're not really a strong man unless you've fainted at some point in your career.
20:54Be it training or competition.
20:56Now then, Paddy Haynes.
20:57He is just a phenom of deadlifting.
21:01He might not be anywhere near as thick in the body of someone like Big Gav, but those
21:06long arms, an incredibly strong back.
21:10That farmer background number four for Paddy and Stoltman is being left in his trail at
21:15the moment.
21:16This is a very determined performance from Paddy Haynes.
21:21He's not going to meet Bishop.
21:22He wants to do this properly.
21:28Yes.
21:29A solid second place maybe.
21:31No, I think he's going to be slower than Flowers, but he does it all the same.
21:36Well, that was a strong performance from Paddy Haynes in every respect.
21:42Luke Stoltman might be beaten.
21:46Deadlift's never been his forte, Stoltman.
21:49But he did a very quick four.
21:50Four and 29.
21:53All of which means that this man, Adam Bishop, takes the win.
21:58But what a performance from Paddy Haynes as well.
22:01That's the look of triumph.
22:04Or pain, I'm not sure.
22:08Well, that's big for Bish.
22:10Adam eclipsing the rest by a full nine seconds.
22:13Flowers, Haynes and Gillen, the only other athletes to complete all five lifts.
22:18Bilton, despite his tumble, claiming sixth.
22:20And he's with Radzi.
22:21Big Gav, good to see you still standing.
22:23There's no question of you coming out of this competition.
22:25No, definitely not.
22:26I'd take a lot more than to stop me.
22:27It was just a bit of a rush of blood to the head.
22:30Belt was a bit loose.
22:31So, obviously, I moved to three.
22:32Yeah, I tightened the belt up.
22:34And, obviously, as I stood up, I ended it.
22:35It was like a rush of blood.
22:36It just, I can't remember falling over.
22:38I'm all good.
22:39I've been through worse.
22:39I'm still within a shot at that podium.
22:43With two lads out, there's less points up for grabs.
22:46But it makes it more interesting for the guys at the top.
22:48So, I'm just going to go out, do my thing, smash the log press, smash stones, get on that podium, get to the Worlds.
22:53The race for the British title and those World's Strongest Man qualifying spots is heating up.
22:59Haynes in top spot for now, with Flowers and Stoltman close behind, and Bishop moving up to joint fourth.
23:06Something foul awaits for Luke, Gavin and the rest.
23:10Event three is the Duck Walk.
23:12Who will be the first to quack?
23:14We'll find out next on Britain's Strongest Man.
23:16Welcome back.
23:23We've not been short on drama so far in Sheffield, with athletes pushed beyond their limits.
23:29The good news is both Andy Black and Luke Richardson are on the road to recovery.
23:34For the remaining men, the challenges aren't going to get any easier as we head into event three.
23:39What lies ahead?
23:40Here's Radzi with five-time British champion Hedy Hall.
23:43Event number three, Duck Walk into Farmers, and Eddie kicking off with that 200 kilograms.
23:49It's a big one.
23:50This was actually stemmed from Olympic powerlifting, so they used to do this to really strengthen the glutes, the back, and the grip strength.
23:56So, it's designed to fatigue you, to make you stronger.
24:00So, doing this for 20 meters is a big, big ask.
24:03And then it goes into the Farmers.
24:05In terms of the transition, that could really separate the top from the guys underneath.
24:10Oh, yeah. I mean, 160 kilo each hand, that's me.
24:14So, they're picking up me in each hand and running another 20 meters back.
24:18So, yeah, it's a big ask.
24:20It's knowing where to pick the apparatus up and how fast to go.
24:25You go too fast, you trip up.
24:26So, it's a lot of experience comes into this.
24:28The margins, once again, are tiny on this one.
24:30Don't move a muscle.
24:31I don't know where Eddie got his mic from.
24:35I think he brought it off ABBA.
24:36So, first up, it was Glasscock, Diamond.
24:40Glasscock managing 31.78 on this event.
24:44On to Beetham and Flynn.
24:47And if you think strongmen can't be funny, watch this.
24:50Yes, the duck walk, one of the most ridiculous boobers there is in the strongman arsenal.
24:59And my goodness, Andy Flynn is quick.
25:02440 pounds is exchanged for 320 kilos.
25:06And he is flying.
25:08The flying Flynn.
25:11Well, this is very fast from Flynn.
25:13Down they go, 23 seconds.
25:16There or thereabouts, 22.81 for Andrew Flynn.
25:18That certainly takes the lead.
25:21Chris Beetham there.
25:22No, his hands struggling.
25:24Once they go, they go.
25:2525 meters for him.
25:29Flying Flynn, goodness me.
25:32I think his grip was starting to go near the end.
25:34But, yeah, so quick.
25:37It's going to be really hard to beat.
25:39On to Big Gav and Luke Stoltman.
25:43Real test of giants here.
25:45And again, if you've ever been intimidated by either of these men,
25:48just remember them doing this.
25:52Two less intimidating men you couldn't find.
25:54Gentle giants of the highest order.
25:57Now then, Luke Stoltman.
25:58Looking really good there.
26:01Under the farmer's walk.
26:02Right there with him.
26:03The problem with really, really big men is often they have thick hands.
26:08They struggle just to hang on to things for long.
26:10You can see his grip starting to go.
26:11Look at his fingers opening up.
26:12He's just going to make it.
26:14He just had to keep that pace up.
26:1624.38 for Luke.
26:18That's Big Gav going to give us.
26:20All around 32 seconds.
26:2431.78 for Big Gav Bilton.
26:27Getting that encouragement as well, wasn't he, from Stoltman.
26:31Stoltman worried.
26:32Bilton didn't know what to do.
26:34Here, put it down there.
26:36Well done.
26:36On to Sean Gillen and Paddy Haynes.
26:47Someone tells me Paddy Haynes is going to be quick at this.
26:52Gillen looking very solid as well, but those long legs of Paddy just chewing the ground up.
26:58Now, how's the grip?
26:59Well, we know it's brilliant.
27:01He's got one of the best grips in the world, so he should hang on to these.
27:04Oh, if it doesn't take his legs out.
27:06Well, it's what Eddie Hall was saying.
27:08He's got the grip a little wrong.
27:09He's holding it too far up the front.
27:11And maybe that's just causing it to knock around.
27:15Oh, it goes down again.
27:16So hard to get it back once you let it drop.
27:19But 29.42, still a fast time for Paddy Haynes.
27:23Gillen beaten.
27:26He's lost a bit of skin there, I think.
27:30Paddy Haynes, though.
27:32He looked so good at the start, but it started to go and tap at the back,
27:35and then it swung forward, even hit the ground there.
27:39Oh, my goodness.
27:41Twice he had to pick it up.
27:46All England then, the final pair.
27:47Shane Flowers and Adam Bishop.
27:49It's the top two for the deadlift.
27:57Bishop looking really quick there, but here you go.
27:59Shane Flowers catching him on the line, and it's even Stevens onto the Farmers.
28:04Who's going to get the quickest pick-up?
28:05It really is neck-and-neck here, isn't it, with these two?
28:08Oh, my goodness me, it couldn't be any closer.
28:12There's your money on Danny.
28:14Adam Bishop there.
28:16Well, there it is.
28:17Adam Bishop just pips him 24 and a half seconds.
28:21Unbelievable drama.
28:22So hard to tell who was going to triumph there.
28:26Yeah, Bish was just a little bit quicker, and that put Flowers under pressure.
28:34Stumbles, goes down, and Bish grabs his moment.
28:37It's just the front that has to cross the line, and Flowers went down again just before it.
28:43It's that look of frustration from Flowers.
28:47Andy Flynn for the win.
28:49Behind him, Luke takes second from Adam by two-tenths of a second,
28:52and Flowers and Haynes also hitting sub-32nd times.
28:56It's enough to keep Haynes joint top of the standings for now.
28:59Paddy, three events down.
29:01We are looking pretty good.
29:03We've seen half a smile so far.
29:04How are you feeling?
29:06Just keeping calm, Redsy.
29:07I'm keeping calm.
29:08I'm doing all right.
29:09Yeah, I'm very happy.
29:10It's nice to be sharing the lead with a Stoltman.
29:12It's not a bad thing, is it?
29:14So, like I say, probably got my one sort of worst event now.
29:17So, for me, it's just clutching as many points from this as I can.
29:20And then, I like the stones.
29:22And are your arms longer after that, Farmers,
29:25because you grit and bared that one?
29:27I hope not, because they're already pretty long,
29:29but it'll be better for the stones.
29:30I'll grit around them, but...
29:31And just a word, how cool is it to be competing at a giant sliver,
29:35Britain's strongest man, and to be in the mix?
29:38Oh, it's ridiculous.
29:39I'll wake up in a minute, probably after log, but we'll see.
29:42Yeah, I'll just be on blessed.
29:43It's just amazing.
29:44And hopefully, let's get some people talking about me now.
29:47Mate, two events to go. Good luck.
29:49Thanks, Reds.
29:49Well, might Luke Stoltman be Paddy's wake-up call?
29:55The Scotsman is now tied with Haynes atop the standings,
29:58with Shane Flowers just one point further back.
30:01Adam Bish have been fourth,
30:02also looking well within striking range.
30:04However, backstage, there's bad news for Bish.
30:09Things have taken a turn for the two-time champion,
30:12making his return to the sport
30:13after that major injury last year.
30:18Radzi is catching up with Bish.
30:20Bish, the reason I'm stood here
30:22is just because, obviously,
30:24I've known you when you first started in Strongman,
30:26and we're obviously now two times Britain's strongest man.
30:28This isn't the ideal conversation we want to be having,
30:31but you're making the decision, rightfully,
30:32that you're going to pull out.
30:34I'm just done, Radz.
30:36I've had a bit of a mental wobble.
30:38I should be, you know, chomping at the bit to compete,
30:42and I don't want to go out there.
30:43So I don't know what's wrong.
30:45I can't get my head around it because, you know,
30:47I'm in contention, and I just don't want to do it.
30:50And I don't know why that's happened to me,
30:54but the last thing I need to do
30:56is go out there, force things, and hurt myself, so...
31:00Can I just say, on a personal level,
31:01I mean, we obviously know how strong you guys are,
31:04but to have the courage to speak vulnerably
31:06and speak as you are says everything about you as a man.
31:10Thanks, mate. Yeah, I appreciate that.
31:14We've, like, mental issues,
31:17I've always struggled with them,
31:18as in, I struggle to understand them.
31:19I didn't understand why people would have them,
31:22and so this is all very new for me.
31:23I don't get it.
31:25And I don't know.
31:26I just...
31:27All I know is I just don't want to go out there
31:29for the log press, and it's...
31:31or the stones, and it's...
31:32As I said, it's mind-boggling for me
31:34because I'm in a good position,
31:35and every single other time I've competed,
31:37I've been chomping at the bit to get out there,
31:38and I think it's the smartest thing just to, you know,
31:41step down and sort things out
31:44and work out why this has happened.
31:46Adam, really appreciate your time, mate.
31:48Best of luck.
31:48Remarkable.
31:52Remarkable honesty there.
31:54And as Radzi said,
31:55vulnerability from Adam Bishop, Connor.
31:57Well, 160 kilos to be pressed overhead is...
32:00It's a dangerous thing.
32:01We make light of it often.
32:03Chris Beetham, the first man to come out,
32:05does one rep,
32:06and you see just how difficult it is.
32:08Finest in Britain.
32:09Three reps from Gillen.
32:12The Irishman.
32:13Shane Flowers.
32:15The world's best pressers.
32:16Two reps.
32:17I mean, this is a serious thing
32:19to have to go out and do,
32:21and...
32:22Well, perhaps that's exactly why
32:24Adam Bishop didn't fancy it.
32:26I'm afraid Paddy Haynes,
32:27zeroes as Ben Glaskock and Gab Bilton
32:29are our next pair out.
32:34And Bilton gets the measure of the log.
32:40It's three to beat.
32:41Ascock gets the first one up.
32:46So, too, Bilton.
32:48Good opportunity for these guys
32:49to try and put some daylight
32:51between themselves and Paddy Haynes.
32:54And we saw zero.
32:57One thing we do know is
32:58Luke Stoltman is a great presser.
33:00Still got to see him.
33:03Both on two reps at the moment.
33:06We are halfway through the time already.
33:10Bilton rolling out.
33:11The chest.
33:11Glaskock getting his third.
33:13So, too, Bilton.
33:16Paddy Man gets a fourth.
33:17They'll be in the lead.
33:21This is a huge weight.
33:23350 pounds, 160 kilos.
33:25For a British Championships.
33:27Massive test.
33:29Well, Glaskock.
33:30He checked he had time to do it.
33:32He knew he did.
33:34Has Bilton got time for one more?
33:36No.
33:37Well, this is extraordinary.
33:39Gavin Bilton.
33:40Manages the three reps.
33:42But this guy, Ben Glasgow, manages four.
33:47He's quite something, isn't he, Ben?
33:49And he's quietly making a charge towards the podium.
33:53Well, knows he did well.
33:59Yeah, baby, I think he said.
34:02And the final pair, Luke Stoltman and Andrew Flynn.
34:08Stoltman on the left.
34:09Flynn on the right.
34:11Scotland gets it up first.
34:14Flynn really takes his time on his chest.
34:18And look at that.
34:19That's a great technique from Flynn.
34:21What he lacks in power.
34:23Stoltman has plenty of shoulder power.
34:25But Flynn, watch his technique on the right.
34:27He has to use all of his legs to get it up.
34:31He really does.
34:33Real athleticism there from Flynn.
34:34Stoltman, that pure power.
34:38The shooter power.
34:40Well, with this fifth rep, and he manages it, that's important for Stoltman, isn't it?
34:48Absolutely.
34:49How long has he taken the lead?
34:51But he's putting some massive daylight between him and Paddy Haynes, who's zeroed.
34:56One event to go.
34:5940-year-old Luke Stoltman, he knows it.
35:02He's in a great position now to win Britain's Strongest Man.
35:05Now, what can Flynn do with two seconds?
35:08He got it.
35:10Wow, that's impressive from Flynn.
35:12Nerves of steel.
35:14Shades off.
35:15Shoulders of steel as well.
35:16Yeah.
35:17I think it was pretty much all leg-mined.
35:19I mean, he caught it, though.
35:21Caught it with just a second to go.
35:23That was tremendous from Flynn.
35:29You can see him again.
35:31He leads, as he catches it, almost in a bench-press position to maximise the drop-down.
35:36Really impressive.
35:38Well done to Andrew Flynn, who ties Ben Glasscock for second with four reps.
35:42But that one extra rep for Luke Stoltman could be huge.
35:46The Scotsman, with his massive shoulders, taking the event win and moving into the lead outright now at Britain's Strongest Man.
35:53Luke there, six and a half points ahead of Shane Flowers.
35:56Andrew Flynn currently holding third, but only by half a point.
35:59Here's Radzi, with the man on top.
36:01We have a new leader, Luke Stoltman.
36:07Looking good, mate.
36:08Yeah, really good.
36:11Yeah, proud of myself.
36:12Didn't get too excited in the log.
36:13Just did what I had to do.
36:15I knew Andrew's a good presser.
36:16I just needed one more, that's all.
36:19So, rather than go all out, I just kind of took it nice and easy and got it done.
36:25So, enough for the win.
36:26One more to go and we'll get it done.
36:28One more good luck.
36:29Thank you very much.
36:30Appreciate it, Alex.
36:30Cheers, guys.
36:32Well, there's a dramatic finish in store then here in Sheffield,
36:35where we're guaranteed a first-time winner for this prestigious title
36:39and a real battle for the podium.
36:42Shane, Luke, Andy or Ben, who's set for glory?
36:46Find out next on Britain's Strongest Man.
36:55Welcome back to Sheffield.
36:57It's Britain's Strongest Man in the Utilitar Arena,
37:00where a sell-out Steel City crowd is about to witness the final act.
37:04Without any further ado, let's get back to our commentators,
37:07Colin Bryce and Danny Wallace.
37:10Well, going into the final event, here's how things stand.
37:15Flynn in third, Shane Flowers in second.
37:18Pulling ahead, Luke Stoltman in first.
37:22That's only so far, I remember.
37:24Whoever ends up in the top three,
37:25well, they qualify for World's Strongest Man.
37:29And it's this event that will decide our top three, the Castlestones.
37:32Yes, 120 kilos going up to 200 kilograms.
37:36And this is what's happened so far.
37:37Paddy Haynes, the man who was in joint lead going into the log,
37:41pulled out a huge result in the Stones.
37:4225 seconds for five.
37:44Bilton also did five.
37:47Two pairs to go.
37:48First, it's Ben Glasscock and Andrew Flynn, relative newbies.
37:53And this really is the battle for third place.
37:55Just half a point separates these guys.
37:57Massive moment for both of them in their Strongman career.
38:01Who can get on the podium at Britain's Strongest Man?
38:03And it's Flynn on the right-hand side.
38:05Andy Flynn, who's taking the lead.
38:07Well, this is very fast from Andrew Flynn
38:11as he moves on to the fourth.
38:14It's one getting heavier and heavier.
38:16We're up to the 200 kilo.
38:17Big daddy for Andy Flynn on the right-hand side.
38:19Look at the size of it.
38:21If he does this, we'll see him at World's Strongest.
38:24And he might as well book his ticket now.
38:26Five Stones, 28 and a half seconds.
38:29That's huge for Andrew Flynn.
38:31Quicker than Gav Bilton, just a little slower
38:34than what Paddy Haynes managed.
38:36But yes, he's on the podium.
38:38Let's see what Ben Glasscock can do.
38:40He'll want to get this fourth up at least.
38:42Well, Flynn helped him out there.
38:44Lent him some of the tacky from his hands,
38:46that pine resin that helps grip these,
38:51almost impossible to grip things.
38:53Oh!
38:54And he doesn't.
38:55Nobody did it.
38:57Well, Andy Flynn giving him that little bit of tacky there.
39:00What a bit of sportsmanship from Flynn as well.
39:02Glasscock gets all five up.
39:04Just.
39:10That was just a tremendous run from Andy Flynn.
39:14Not only did he get all five up,
39:16but he proved what a good chap he is.
39:19The final pair then.
39:20Shane Flowers, Luke Stoltman.
39:26Big moment for Shane Flowers.
39:28It's not lost on him.
39:29He can see just how nervous he is.
39:32But he'll have to pull out a ridiculous time here.
39:34And, well, Stoltman would have to do really badly.
39:37And he's a great stone lifter, the Scotsman.
39:39And he's showing it.
39:40He's an old hand at this, Stoltman.
39:43Look, Flowers.
39:44Matching him.
39:46He is.
39:47Yes, he is.
39:48Maybe you've been catching him there.
39:50Who's going to get the fifth one up first?
39:52Oh, that's incredible.
39:55What a result for Shane Flowers.
39:58Stoltman's slightly stunned.
40:00He stole my glory moment, he's thinking.
40:02But he is Britain's strongest man.
40:04He certainly is.
40:05But Flowers really treating this like he's won the whole competition.
40:08How huge it must be to go up against Luke Stoltman on the stones and do so well.
40:15Massive moment for him.
40:16Even bigger moment for this man, though.
40:18At 40 years old.
40:19All those thousands of hours of training.
40:22Gets the fifth one up.
40:23It was a battle, but he is Britain's strongest man.
40:27And he's with Ratsy now.
40:30Luke Stoltman, 2020, you make the Britain's strongest man podium.
40:35Last year, the same.
40:37This year, you're now Britain's strongest man.
40:41What's going through your head?
40:45I don't know.
40:47Made a promise to Big Tommy that I'd come back with a title.
40:51My little boy's birthday today.
40:53Happy birthday, Cora.
40:55That's all that matters, man.
40:57I did my job today.
40:58No one can take that away from me.
41:00I'm number one in Britain.
41:02I proved it.
41:03And that's it.
41:04You also mentioned Big Tommy.
41:07You now have the clean sweep.
41:09World's strongest man reigning, Tom.
41:11You reigning Europe's strongest man.
41:13Now you Britain's strongest man.
41:14Is there anything you boys can't do?
41:16Absolutely not.
41:17We're here.
41:18Stoltmans are here to stay.
41:20I'm not going anywhere.
41:21I'm just getting better.
41:22I feel invigorised.
41:23I really do.
41:24I won't say too much more, but I just feel good.
41:27I feel good.
41:27And here I am.
41:29So, yeah, it's pretty cool.
41:31It's really cool.
41:32And what you've done is really cool as well.
41:34Britain's strongest man, 2025, Luke Stoltman.
41:37Congratulations, mate.
41:38Appreciate it.
41:39Thank you, man.
41:40Well, what a competition.
41:41Well, what a competition.
41:42Slightly heartbreaking for Paddy Haynes.
41:44Just missing out on the podium there by half a point.
41:47But the podium is Andrew Flynn, Shane Flowers.
41:52You just heard from him.
41:54Scotland's finest.
41:55And now Britain's strongest man, Luke Stoltman.
41:58And of course he is Europe's strongest man.
42:03Next time out, we'll be seeing if he can defend that title too.
42:07Well, why are we talking about next time?
42:08We still have something we can enjoy, Colin.
42:10And we call it The Mantage.
42:45The competition continues tomorrow at ten past six.
42:49And if you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in tonight's programme,
42:54please go to channel5.com slash helplines for information and support.
43:00Brandy next, going behind the scenes of a magical transformation,
43:04enter a winter wonderland with Christmas at Leeds Castle.
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