Battling it out at Holyrood Academy, powerful disabled athletes from across the country competed in six tests of strength:

  • Sled pull
  • Trap bar hold
  • Giant dumbbell press
  • Yoke walk
  • Axle press
  • Atlas stones

This year’s winners

Mens Seated Class 1 Champion, Dave Walsh (@sitting_bull_uk) from Chippenham, was competing for his fourth year.

Dave said:

It’s amazing to see how much the sport has developed over the years, with Britain’s Disabled Strongman adding in two extra categories to cater for more athletes with disabilities.

Without events like this, many of us can feel ‘pointless’ and ‘not worthy’, but when we’re all competing it gives us so much confidence and major self-worth, which we can take out into the real world.

Dave, who has multiple sclerosis, has been competing in strongman events since 2017 and this is his second Brits trophy.

He was also previously named World’s Strongest Disabled Man and Arnold Sports UK Strongest Disabled Man – both in 2022.

World’s Strongest Disabled Man – Dave Walsh
© PGR Photography

Personal trainer and online coach Louise Greer (@nolegs_nolimits_pt) from Gloucester was ‘honored’ to be named Britain’s Strongest Disabled Woman in her category. She also received the Magnús Ver Magnússon’s ‘Wild Card’ award.

Commenting on her victory, she said:

Words can’t express how grateful I am to have won the title of Britain’s Strongest Disabled Woman. It’s truly humbling to see such immense support and to be recognised for this achievement.

This victory reminds me that with resilience and determination, we all have limitless potential.

Britain’s Strongest Disabled Woman (Seated Class 2) – Louise Greer
© PGR Photography

The full list of winners for this year is as follows:

  • Aaron Rees (Men’s Standing Class 1)
  • Mark Tonner (Men’s Standing Class 2)
  • Dave Walsh (Men’s Seated Class 1)
  • Pete Linnett (Men’s Seated Class 2)
  • Carly Poyser (Women’s Standing Class 1)
  • Erin Harris (Women’s Standing Class 2)
  • Louise Greer (Women’s Seated Class 2)

In addition to all the competition events, spectators were once again wowed by a showcase demonstration from Phoebe Ames (@fadeadliftqueen) – a 13-year-old powerlifter with Friedreich’s Ataxia who holds four world records. Phoebe tackled an incredible 80 kilograms in a seated deadlift.

About the founder

Britain’s Disabled Strongman was founded by United Response support worker, Gary Clarke, back in 2015.

Gary (pictured top of page) has been powerlifting since he was a teenager. He’s competed in many strongman tournaments himself, including winning the Brits, and is a valued member of the strongman community.

Gary says he’s proud to be able to put on an event that showcases such incredible athletes, year after year:

It’s the athletes that make it so spectacular.

We want to show society that anything is possible – regardless of impairment.

Watch: Britain’s Disabled Strongman and Strongwoman 2023

Britain’s Disabled Strongman will return in 2024. Follow the competition’s Facebook page for more information.

Featured image: Competition founder and strongman Gary Clarke – © PGR Photography

  • Jenna Lloyd is Senior Content Officer for United Response.