Stoltman fell simply wanting a “three-peat.”
Tom Stoltman entered the 2023 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) with historic aspirations. Ought to the previous two-time reigning champion (2021-2022) have crushed his elite strongman friends in Myrtle Seaside, SC, he would have grow to be solely the third competitor to win three consecutive WSM titles. As a substitute, he fell brief with a runner-up end to eventual victor Mitchell Hooper. On the very least, the Scottish athlete appears to just accept his shortcoming.
On Apr. 24, 2023, a day after the conclusion of the newest climactic WSM, Stoltman posted a mirrored image on his efficiency to his Instagram. Whereas he didn’t make historical past, Stoltman already seems to be waiting for one other title shot and extra coming strongman greatness.
Up to now, solely america’ Invoice Kazmaier (1980-1982) and Iceland’s Magnús Ver Magnússon (1994-1996) have ever received three straight WSM titles. With a victory, Stoltman would’ve been the third and joined their very unique firm within the contest’s illustrious 46-year historical past.
Alas, such an achievement wasn’t meant to be for considered one of trendy’s strongman’s largest names. It might’ve been comprehensible if Stoltman wished to lament his misfortunes and missed alternatives. An athlete of his prowess, standing on the precipice of virtually unprecedented greatness, taking the time to focus on went fallacious seemingly wouldn’t have been gorgeous.
Nonetheless, like an awesome competitor with a championship mentality, Stoltman as a substitute confirmed graciousness in what he left in his newest WSM look. A British File Max Dumbbell Press of 132.5 kilograms (292 kilos) seemingly helps his standing.
That’s no matter previous performances, like a sixth-place consequence on the 2023 Arnold Strongman Basic (ASC).
“I gave all the things I had this yr!” Stoltman wrote. “Hitting the large dumbbell was a private purpose for myself and I used to be constant all through. I’m very proud … I acquired informed I wouldn’t be getting close to the rostrum at [the 2023 WSM] resulting from my Arnold [Strongman Classic] efficiency. I labored exhausting and gave my all!”
Stoltman’s WSM title run formally ended with 4 podium appearances within the final 4 years. In each situations the place Stoltman didn’t win, he was the runner-up to the champion — Hooper in 2023 and Oleksii Novikov in 2020. Stoltman completed forward of the third-place Novikov on the 2023 WSM.
As for paying tribute to those that paved the best way, Stoltman appeared remiss if he didn’t point out a extra established strongman legend. After qualifying for his fifteenth WSM Finals, Brian Shaw will not be a fixture on the flagship strongman competitors as he nears his retirement.
Stoltman made positive to pay his acceptable respects to the power icon.
“Thanks to Brian Shaw for all the things you have got finished for this sport and for myself.”
Stoltman’s wonderful previous precedent means that his 2023 WSM runner-up inserting received’t be the final anybody sees of this celebrity strongman. If something, shifting ahead, he’ll seemingly channel it as motivation to finish a profitable climb to the highest once more.
Featured picture: @tomstoltmanofficial on Instagram
