Stoltman fell just in need of a “three-peat.”
Tom Stoltman entered the 2023 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) with historic aspirations. Should the previous two-time reigning champion (2021-2022) have beaten his elite strongman peers in Myrtle Beach, SC, he would have turn out to be only the third competitor to win three consecutive WSM titles. As a substitute, he fell short with a runner-up finish to eventual victor Mitchell Hooper. On the very least, the Scottish athlete seems to just accept his shortcoming.
On Apr. 24, 2023, a day after the conclusion of the most recent climactic WSM, Stoltman posted a mirrored image on his performance to his Instagram. While he didn’t make history, Stoltman already appears to be waiting for one other title shot and more coming strongman greatness.
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To this point, only the US’ Bill Kazmaier (1980-1982) and Iceland’s Magnús Ver Magnússon (1994-1996) have ever won three straight WSM titles. With a victory, Stoltman would’ve been the third and joined their very exclusive company in the competition’s illustrious 46-year history.
Alas, such an achievement wasn’t meant to be for one among modern’s strongman’s biggest names. It might’ve been comprehensible if Stoltman desired to lament his misfortunes and missed opportunities. An athlete of his prowess, standing on the precipice of just about unprecedented greatness, taking the time to spotlight what went mistaken likely wouldn’t have been stunning.
Nonetheless, like an amazing competitor with a championship mentality, Stoltman as an alternative showed graciousness in what he left in his latest WSM appearance. A British Record Max Dumbbell Press of 132.5 kilograms (292 kilos) likely helps his standing.
That’s no matter past performances, like a sixth-place result on the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC).
“I gave every part I had this 12 months!” Stoltman wrote. “Hitting the massive dumbbell was a private goal for myself and I used to be consistent throughout. I’m very proud … I got told I wouldn’t be getting near the rostrum at [the 2023 WSM] as a consequence of my Arnold [Strongman Classic] performance. I worked hard and gave my all!”
Stoltman’s WSM title run officially ended with 4 podium appearances within the last 4 years. In each instances where Stoltman didn’t win, he was the runner-up to the champion — Hooper in 2023 and Oleksii Novikov in 2020. Stoltman finished ahead of the third-place Novikov on the 2023 WSM.
As for paying tribute to those that paved the best way, Stoltman seemed remiss if he didn’t mention a more established strongman legend. After qualifying for his fifteenth WSM Finals, Brian Shaw will not be a fixture on the flagship strongman competition as he nears his retirement.
Stoltman made sure to pay his appropriate respects to the strength icon.
“Thanks to Brian Shaw for every part you may have done for this sport and for myself.”
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Stoltman’s excellent past precedent suggests that his 2023 WSM runner-up placing won’t be the last anyone sees of this superstar strongman. If anything, moving forward, he’ll likely channel it as motivation to finish a successful climb to the highest again.
Featured image: @tomstoltmanofficial on Instagram