Vegan Strongman goes big at nationals

The events were brutal for an under 90 kg competitor like Tom, but there was another challenge. Tom is a drug free strongman and has competed internationally in tested competitions, winning the world games. This time he was competing in an untested competition. Other strongmen will have been steroid users.

In a packed 23-man category, the first event was 260 kg deadlift – close to triple bodyweight – for reps. Tom got nine.

• Next was 105 kg Log into 110 kg Axle for Reps – he got six.
• He completed the 120 kg Sandbag Medley in 29s.
• Event four was more bags, 5 Bags – 17kg-25kg over a high bar in 18s.
• Last was the classic Atlas Stone Run – 5 Stones from 100kg-160kg in 30s. This was an event win for Tom.

Tom took fourth overall, despite feeling it could have gone better.

“I don’t feel like I did a particularly great job on any event. I’ve done more reps on the static events in training and all three final events faster. Stumbling with/dropping the Husafell bag cost me the event win and a podium place, which is obviously disappointing.”

Finishing fourth in an untested national while not getting things right highlights the calibre of this exceptional athlete.

He enjoyed the day, and is hopeful the result qualify him for Britain’s Strongest Man in May. If he does, it will be a demanding time as “it’s the week after the natural UK and Ireland one!”

Vegan Power

Coach Butts turned vegan in November 2020, “purely for animal ethics and not wanting to contribute to animal agriculture”.

“I have 4 meals a day and roughly 3,700kcal. Meals vary in size, but usually have ~50g protein and are just shy of 1,000kcal. Carbs are a massive energy source for my training and competitions, so I make sure they feature prominently in every meal, although most dominantly in my meals pre and post workout.”