Can the Albatross soar again? That’s the question hanging over the final heat of the 2024 World’s Strongest Man competition. Two-time champion Tom Stoltman returns, after being grounded last year, hoping to recapture his crown. Tuesday night, he’ll face a fierce flock of competitors in Heat 5, all vying for just two coveted spots in the Grand Final.
Stoltman, known for his incredible feats of strength, will have his wings tested against American contender Bobby Thompson, South Africa’s Jaco Schoonwinkel, and a gaggle of rookies. While Stoltman’s comeback narrative is compelling, it’s worth noting that the field is packed with talent eager to clip his wings.
The six events planned for this heat are a veritable buffet of brute force: the Webster Stones, a Deadlift ladder, the Sandbag Steeplechase, the Viking Press, the Car Walk, and the Atlas Stones. It’s a lineup designed to separate the strong from the simply sturdy. Expect grunts, grimaces, and probably some chalk dust. Lots of chalk dust.
Overseeing this display of Herculean effort will be presenters James Richardson, Eddie Hall, and Michelle Ackerley, with commentary from Colin Bryce and Danny Wallace. They’ll provide the play-by-play and perhaps some much-needed comic relief, as these athletes push their bodies to the absolute limit.
For Stoltman, this competition isn’t just about adding another trophy to his collection; it’s about proving he’s still the top bird in the strength game. But whether he can overcome the challenges of his comeback and a lineup of hungry competitors is a question that won’t be answered until the final stone is set. Among the rookies to watch, Wes Derwinsky and Adam Roskowski have been making waves. Tune in Tuesday 31 December at 7:00 PM on Channel 5 to witness the feats of strength.
