Strongman competitions are a spectacle of incredible human strength. While seeing colossal weights lifted is impressive to watch, the toll on the competitors’ bodies is not trivial.
On Oct. 8, 2024, three-time reigning World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Tom Stoltman announced he would not compete at the 2024 Giants Live World Tour Finals, scheduled for Oct. 19 in Glasgow, Scotland.
He cited a spinal disc injury and nerve damage as the reason for his withdrawal from the competition.
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Stoltman revealed he has been battling sharp back pain and nerve-related issues in his right leg, glute, and hamstring since March 2024, which intensified every time he performed a deadlift.
I’ve had this injury for a long time, but I didn’t have the right people look at it.
Despite numerous visits to physiotherapists, the root cause of Stoltman’s back pain remained unknown. Initially attributed to weak glutes and hamstrings, the prescribed treatments proved ineffective, highlighting the complexity of his condition.
Stoltman’s attempt to train through the injury proved detrimental and aggravated the issue.
Since 2024 World’s Strongest Man, I’ve really struggled to get my head screwed on for competitions.
The persistent pain taxed Stoltman’s focus and competitive drive, evident in his uncharacteristic performance at the 2024 USA Strongman Championships on Sept. 28, 2024, where he finished last in a field of 10 athletes.
Stoltman finally found a specialist who shed light on the root cause of his pain. After failing five diagnostic tests, a spinal disc injury was identified as the likely culprit.
Stoltman withdrew from the 2024 Giants Live World Tour Finals after consulting with his healthcare provider, who confirmed he would not fully recover in time for the event.
I don’t want to turn up at my 60 percent and come fifth or sixth.
Stoltman explained that competing at anything less than his best would jeopardize his chances of winning and risk further damage to his confidence and mental well-being.
2024 Giants Live World Tour Finals Roster
- Chris Beetham
- Wes Derwinsky
- Kane Francis
- Roman Grekov
- Mitchell Hooper
- Pavlo Kordiyaka
- Trey Mitchell
- Evans Nana
- Spenser Remick
- Luke Richardson
- Jaco Schoowinkel
- Luke Stoltman
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Stoltman will still attend the 2024 Giants Live World Tour Finals to support his brother, Luke Stoltman, who won the competition in 2021.
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Featured image: @tomstoltmanofficial on Instagram
